What Rough Beast. Or: Just What *Is* a Troll Anyhow?

[Warning! Inexpert opinion follows! Experts feel free to correct any misconceptions intruduced in the following text, but be nice or I’ll accuse you of trolling! ;)]

To tell the truth, I think it’s pretty simple. A troll is someone who deliberately tries to start trouble (usually an argument) on a BBS or in a newsgroup. A troll is deninitely not someone who simply disagrees with you. They go beyond that by being altogether disagreeable. The intent is to start a flame war (or some similar unpleasantness).

I think the name was arrived at because the verb “to troll” means “To fish by trailing a line, as from a moving boat.” Additionally, a troll is a rather disagreeable creature found in fairy tales and fantasy role-playing games.

–Baloo

Now go forth and do not likewise.

(Rather too many posters on this MB use it to mean anyone they displike, but the original usage is as you described.)

Well, to me, a Troll enjoys the thrill of having people completely pissed off at him/her, and having those same pissed-off people helpless to do anything about it (except maybe banishment, but new screen names are easily accessible to the Troll’s point of view).

Also, a Troll is anyone who does not immediately agree with me on any issue (that was a joke).