troll

Everyday

1. In Scandinavian fairy tales, a big, ugly, often stupid creature that lives in caves, mountains or under bridges. tree →
2. (internet slang) A person who posts nasty or silly messages online on purpose to upset people or start arguments. tree →
3. (verb, slang) To troll is to post such messages, or to tease someone by pretending. tree →
4. (verb) To fish by pulling a baited line slowly behind a boat. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, the troll under the bridge in Three Billy Goats Gruff is famous. In online safety lessons, children learn not to feed the trolls: do not reply, block and report, and tell an adult. Phrases: internet troll, don't feed the trolls, get trolled.

Examples

• The troll lived under the bridge and roared at the goats. tree →
• In Norwegian tales, trolls turn to stone in sunlight. tree →
• Someone was a troll and wrote mean comments on her video. tree →
• Don't feed the trolls; block them and tell a grown-up. tree →
• My brother was just trolling me when he said school was cancelled. tree →
• Grandpa trolled for fish from the back of the boat. tree →
• ‘Can you fight?’ roared the Troll. tree →

Note

Countable. Regular verb: trolled. Being trolled online is not your fault; screenshot, report and talk to a trusted adult.