Trolling

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Trolling is a concept usually involving attempting to get some entity to do something that is not in its own best interest. Usage stems from mythical encounters with unseemly characters known as "trolls" and their habit of enticing passersby to cross a bridge at their presumed peril.

• Internet trolling involves a user making comments intended to provoke an angry response.

• Trolling can also mean walking. This is more or less basic slang now (from stroll), but it used to be polari.

• "Trolling for fish" is a form of angling where lines with hook-rigged lures are dragged behind a boat to entice fish to bite. Compare the term "Trawling for fish," which involves dragging a net behind a boat to catch large numbers of fish.