Trollings

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. Engaging in deliberate acts of provoking or upsetting others online by posting inflammatory or off-topic messages ; implementing deceptive or mischievous behavior to elicit reactions or disrupt discussions ; performing systematic harassment or baiting actions on digital platforms to challenge or annoy participants
2. The practice of intentionally provoking irritation or anger in internet users through offensive, irrelevant, or inflammatory comments ; carrying out calculated pranks or misleading statements to cause disruption or amusement in online communities ; the repeated act of antagonizing others by stirring conflict or confusion in virtual conversations
3. Conducting purposeful online behavior designed to upset or provoke participants by posting contentious or disruptive material ; employing trolling as a tactic to manipulate responses or distract from serious dialogue ; the act of persistently creating disturbances by inciting emotional reactions within internet forums or social networks

Etymology: "Trollings" is simply the plural of "trolling," so it is the form of the verb's gerund-like noun use applied to multiple instances. Trolling itself is a noun and verb derived from the older sense of "troll," a fishing method in which bait is dragged behind a moving boat so that it trails through the water. The leap from fishing to internet behaviour rests on that dragging motion. Someone who trolls a line keeps the bait moving to catch whatever bites, and online, a troll posts bait meant to draw in reactions. Each "trolling" is one such cast, and the plural counts the separate casts or episodes of this kind of baiting.

Synonyms: fishing, trawling, angling, fishing expedition, fishing trip