Trolling is a phenomenon that has become increasingly prevalent in the digital age. It involves the act of deliberately posting inflammatory or offensive messages online with the intention of provoking a reaction from others. Trolling can take many forms, from mild teasing to outright harassment, and can be directed at individuals or groups. The motivations behind trolling are varied and complex, but often involve a desire for attention, a need to feel powerful, or simply a desire to disrupt and cause chaos. One of the key aspects of trolling is its ability to spread quickly and easily through social media and other online platforms. Trolls can use a variety of tactics to amplify their message, including creating fake accounts, using bots to boost their posts, and engaging in coordinated attacks on their targets. This can make it difficult for individuals and organizations to defend themselves against trolling, and can lead to significant harm to their reputations and well-being. Another important aspect of trolling is its impact on free speech and online discourse. While trolling is often defended as a form of free expression, it can also be seen as a form of censorship, as it can silence voices and intimidate individuals who might otherwise speak out. In addition, trolling can create a toxic online environment that discourages open and honest discussion, and can lead to the spread of misinformation and hate speech. Despite these challenges, there are a number of strategies that can be used to combat trolling. These include developing strong community guidelines and moderation policies, educating individuals about the risks of trolling, and building networks of support and solidarity to help those who are targeted by trolls. By working together to address the problem of trolling, we can help to create a safer and more inclusive online environment for everyone.
online behavior, social media, free speech, harassment, attention-seeking
The word trolling can be classified as a verb, indicating an activity of deliberately posting inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages with the primary intent of provoking other users into a targeted emotional response or otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion (denoted as flaming). There are several synonyms for trolling, such as participating in flame wars, spamming, baiting, flaming and mobbing. Antonyms include mediation, arbitration or reconciliation. Cognates of “trolling” include terms such as trolling for fish, a fishing technique using baited lines, or trolling the web, the act of searching the web for information. There are several variants of “trolling”, including trolled, troller, trollish and trollingly.
Morphological studies, lexical semantics, lexicalization, lexicography, lexicology, lexical field, semantic change, semantic narrowing, semantic shift, phraseology, metaphorology, metonymy, encyclopedic semantics, etymological research, neology, neotechny
Trolling is a relatively recent addition to the world of English language, yet its origin and linguistic evolution has created a fascinating story. Tracing the word back to its etymological roots, it is derived from the Middle English verb “trollen”, which itself was derived from the Old French verb “troller” meaning to wander, to roam, or to stroll. The verb “troller”, then was taken from the Latin “trollius”, meaning to sing or to wander. In its original form, the word “troll” was a noun, referring to a supernatural creature which could be found in Scandinavian fairytales and folklore. Over time, the word began to take on new meanings and contexts, eventually landing on its current definition of “to post a deliberately provocative message online with the intention of causing maximum disruption and argument”. This definition has led to a recent increase in the use of “trolling”, both on and offline.
Etymology, Morphology, Linguistics, Historical Evolution, Pragmatics.
Trolling can be defined as a disruptive online behaviour which is intended to sow discord by provoking, ridiculing, or antagonizing the members of a social group online. It can manifest itself in the form of malicious comments, strong language, or even intimidation. There is no universal definition and it is usually understood to have different meanings in different linguistic contexts. A range of equivalent words from other languages relating to trolling can include Teasing (Britisches Englisch), Bouleuterion (Grieschisch), Provocare (Italienisch), Provocar (Spanisch), Provoziert (Deutsch), Provoquer (Französisch), 遊び回す（日本語）, and 物議をかもす（日本語）. Other equivalents can include Fantaseren, Bonkreten, Kattige Opmerkingen, Wrijven, Provoceren, Beledigen, Uitdagen, Krabben, Prikkelen, Pesten, Raillen, Spotters, Spotten, Belachen, Uitlachen, Lachelijk maken, Bespotten, Neckeren, Tafelen, Schaden, Spotting, Spottend, and Geplaag.
Trolling, Teasing, Bouleuterion, Provocare, Provocar, Provoziert, Provoquer, 遊び回す（日本語）, 物議をかもす（日本語）, Fantaseren, Bonkreten, Kattige Opmerkingen, Wrijven, Provoceren, Beledigen, Uitdagen, Krabben, Prikkelen, Pesten, Raillen, Spotters, Spotten, Belachen, Ui
CITATION : "Harris Awan. 'Trolling.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=219664 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"
Trolling is an image composition technique in anime, comics or manga for depicting an action or verb that is often associated with comical effects. It is traditionally used to exaggerate action or emphasize a mood, often resulting in surreal depictions that are humorous in nature. This composition style utilizes a variety of elements such as the exaggerated poses of characters and their exaggerated expressions, as well as surreal backgrounds and settings. This technique is often used to create comic relief and add a sense of lightheartedness to a story.
Anime, comic, manga, artwork, drawing, sketches, pose, action, expression, surreal, comical, humorous, scene, setting, relief.
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