posting deliberately provocative or offensive messages online to upset people and start arguments, or the act of fishing by dragging a line behind a boat.
From 'troll', which may come from Scandinavian 'troll' (mythological creature) or Old French 'troller' (to wander). The internet meaning emerged in the 1990s; the fishing sense dates much earlier.
Internet 'trolling' might be named after the Scandinavian troll—creatures known for causing trouble and living under bridges—which is a darkly perfect metaphor for people who hide behind anonymous accounts to cause conflict online.
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