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Your Yacks Currently
Droll not Troll on Young men can be so shall… Droll not Troll on Young men can be so shall… Droll not Troll on It makes your armpits … Droll not Troll on Ah, the irony Droll not Troll on Ah, the irony PoodleGroomer on Young men can be so shall… PoodleGroomer on Young men can be so shall… JohnB on It makes your armpits … JohnB on It makes your armpits … PoodleGroomer on Young men can be so shall… 
Cheezburger Network Blog
!!!!! 2nd!!!
“Do not feed the trolls” and its abbreviation DNFTT redirect here. For the Wikimedia essay, see “What is a troll?”.
In Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts controversial, inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, chat room or blog, with the primary intent of provoking other users into an emotional response[1] or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion.[2]
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Etymology
o 1.1 Early history
o 1.2 In other languages
* 2 Published research on trolling
* 3 Concern troll
* 4 Troll sites
* 5 Usage
* 6 See also
* 7 References
* 8 External links
o 8.1 Troll FAQs
[edit] Etymology
“Trolling for blue fish” lithograph by Currier & Ives, 1866.
The contemporary use of the term is alleged to have first appeared on the internet in the late 1980s,[3] but the earliest known example is from 1991.[4] It is thought to be a truncation of the phrase trolling for suckers. That phrase is itself derived from the fishing technique of slowly dragging a lure or baited hook from a moving boat, waiting for fish to strike, a technique known as trolling[1]
. The word also evokes the trolls portrayed in Scandinavian folklore and children’s tales, as they are often creatures bent on mischief and wickedness. The verb “troll” originates from Old French “troller”, a hunting term. The noun “troll”, however, comes from the Old Norse word for a mythological monster.[5]
[edit] Early history
The most likely derivation of the word troll can be found in the phrase “trolling for newbies,” popularized in the early 1990s in the Usenet group, alt.folklore.urban (AFU).[6][7] Commonly, what is meant is a relatively gentle inside joke by veteran users, presenting questions or topics that had been so overdone that only a new user would respond to them earnestly. For example, a veteran of the group might make a post on the common misconception that glass flows over time. Long-time readers would both recognize the poster’s name and know that the topic had been done to death already, but new subscribers to the group would not realize, and would thus respond. These types of trolls served as a Shibboleth to identify group insiders. This definition of trolling, considerably narrower than the modern understanding of the term, was considered a positive contribution.[6][8] One of the most notorious AFU trollers, Snopes,[6] went on to create his eponymous urban folklore website.
By the late 1990s, alt.folklore.urban had such heavy traffic and participation that trolling of this sort was frowned upon. Others expanded the term to include the practice of playing a seriously misinformed or deluded user, even in newsgroups where one was not a regular; these were often attempts at humor rather than provocation. In such contexts, the noun troll usually referred to an act of trolling, rather than to the author.
[edit] In other languages
Most languages[specify] have adopted the English word “troll” to refer to Internet trolls.[citation needed] In Japanese, arashi (あらし, 荒らし) means “laying waste” and can also be used to refer to simple spamming[citation needed]. In Korean, nak-si (낚시) means “fishing”, and is used to refer to Internet trolling attempts, as well as purposefully misleading post titles. A person who recognizes the troll after having responded (or, in case of a post title nak-si, having read the actual post) would often refer to himself as a caught fish.
[edit] Published research on trolling
In academic literature, the practice was first documented by Judith Donath (1999), who used several anecdotal examples from various[vague] Usenet newsgroups in her discussion. Donath’s paper outlines the ambiguity of identity in a disembodied “virtual community”:
“ In the physical world there is an inherent unity to the self, for the body provides a compelling and convenient definition of identity. The norm is: one body, one identity … The virtual world is different. It is composed of information rather than matter.[9] ”
Donath provides a concise overview of identity deception games which trade on the confusion between physical and epistemic community:
“ Trolling is a game about identity deception, albeit one that is played without the consent of most of the players. The troll attempts to pass as a legitimate participant, sharing the group’s common interests and concerns; the newsgroups members, if they are cognizant of trolls and other identity deceptions, attempt to both distinguish real from trolling postings, and upon judging a poster a troll, make the offending poster leave the group. Their success at the former depends on how well they — and the troll — understand identity cues; their success at the latter depends on whether the troll’s enjoyment is sufficiently diminished or outweighed by the costs imposed by the group.
Trolls can be costly in several ways. A troll can disrupt the discussion on a newsgroup, disseminate bad advice, and damage the feeling of trust in the newsgroup community. Furthermore, in a group that has become sensitized to trolling — where the rate of deception is high — many honestly naïve questions may be quickly rejected as trollings. This can be quite off-putting to the new user who upon venturing a first posting is immediately bombarded with angry accusations. Even if the accusation is unfounded, being branded a troll is quite damaging to one’s online reputation.[9]
”
Susan Herring et al. in “Searching for Safety Online: Managing ‘Trolling’ in a Feminist Forum” point out the difficulty inherent in monitoring trolling and maintaining freedom of speech in online communities: “harassment often arises in spaces known for their freedom, lack of censure, and experimental nature.”[10] The broadly accepted ethic of free speech may lead to tolerance of trolling behavior, further complicating the members’ efforts to maintain an open yet supportive discussion area, especially for sensitive topics such as race, gender, sexuality, etc.[10]
[edit] Concern troll
A concern troll is a false flag pseudonym created by a user whose actual point of view is opposed to the one that the user’s sockpuppet claims to hold. The concern troll posts in web forums devoted to its declared point of view and attempts to sway the group’s actions or opinions while claiming to share their goals, but with professed “concerns”. The goal is to sow fear, uncertainty and doubt within the group.[11]
For example, in 2006 Tad Furtado, a top staffer for then-Congressman Charlie Bass (R-NH), was caught posing as a “concerned” supporter of Bass’s opponent, Democrat Paul Hodes, on several liberal New Hampshire blogs, using the pseudonyms “IndieNH” or “IndyNH.” “IndyNH” expressed concern that Democrats might just be wasting their time or money on Hodes, because Bass was unbeatable.[12]
Although the term “concern troll” originated in discussions of online behavior, it now sees increasing use to describe similar behaviors that take place offline.
For example, James Wolcott of Vanity Fair accused a conservative New York Daily News columnist of “concern troll” behavior in his efforts to downplay the Mark Foley scandal. Wolcott links what he calls concern trolls to Saul Alinsky’s “Do-Nothings,” giving a long quote from Alinsky on the Do-Nothing’s method and effects:
“ These Do-Nothings profess a commitment to social change for ideals of justice, equality, and opportunity, and then abstain from and discourage all effective action for change. They are known by their brand, ‘I agree with your ends but not your means.’[13] ”
In a more recent example, The Hill published an op-ed piece by Markos Moulitsas of the liberal blog Daily Kos titled “Dems: Ignore ‘Concern Trolls’.” Again, the concern trolls in question were not Internet participants; they were Republicans offering public advice and warnings to the Democrats. The author defines “concern trolling” as “offering a poisoned apple in the form of advice to political opponents that, if taken, would harm the recipient.” [14]
[edit] Troll sites
While some webmasters and forum administrators consider trolls to be a scourge on their sites, some websites welcome them. For example, a New York Times article discussed troll activity at the /b/ board on 4chan and at Encyclopedia Dramatica, which it described as “an online compendium of troll humor and troll lore.”[3] This site and others such as The Bad Webcomics Wiki
are often used as a base to troll against sites that they can not normally post on. These trolls feed off of the reactions of their victims because ‘their agenda is to take delight in causing trouble’[15] An example of their troll delight is here
[edit] Usage
Application of the term troll is highly subjective. Some readers may characterize a post as trolling, while others may regard the same post as a legitimate contribution to the discussion, even if controversial. The term is often used as an ad hominem strategy to discredit an opposing position by attacking its proponent.
Often, calling someone a troll makes assumptions about a writer’s motives. Regardless of the circumstances, controversial posts may attract a particularly strong response from those unfamiliar with the robust dialogue found in some online, rather than physical, communities. Experienced participants in online forums know that the most effective way to discourage a troll is usually to ignore him or her, because responding tends to encourage trolls to continue disruptive posts — hence the often-seen warning: “Please do not feed the trolls”.
Epic Rebuttle is Epic.
Name change fail is epic fail.
Please do not feed the trolls, and please ignore these instructions.
*feeds JohnB*
*bites the hand that feeds him*
……….I was going to say something like ‘bites JohnB’s face’….I decided that would just get me in trouble!
Uhh, what sort of tooth did you bite with, JohnB? Put that thing away!!!
Well, it looked like ice cream!
Did you bite him with your fangs?
Yes, and it turned into a real fangdongo.
Uncle John? Is that you Uncle John?
Did you bring ice cream?
Aww, I thought it was vanilla ice cream with nuts, but it just turned out to be this pasty kid’s hand, covered with boogers.
Was that kid named ShadowSplicer?
I didn’t ask! I just spat it out!
Aren’t Mormons required to wear special undergarments also?
Yeah, I think that happened after the LDS Church acquired stock in Fruit of the Loom.
Does their under-ware, umm… give then special powers or some kind of unique experience?
It has some symbolic significance. But after pondering it a while, I came to recall that some Mormons consider public discussion of the temple undergarments by non-Mormons to be offensive, so I’ll get off this particular train here.
ok. Didn’t know that, was just being superficially silly.
As was I, with my (rather lame anyway) joke.
Sorry Sir,
You can’t get off the train until it comes to a complete stop. So you must remain in this thread for a little longer.
But I’m not Mormon, so I’m not wearing those threads!
There are some Dreadful Pun Hell fairies who find your dreadful puns offensively dreadful, and you don’t seem dreadfully worried about that. *sulk*
I’m not sure that those D.P.H. Fairies who done their hair in dreadlocks have chosen the most flattering hairstyle?
For DPH fairies, maybe “corn”rows would be more apt.
Most Dreadful Pun Hell fairies who have been in the job for any length of time have little hair left – most if it is torn out in exasperation. What is left goes prematurely grey.
Well, then tone down your exasperation, and engage in a little aspiration! Let’s see, what could a DPH Fairy aspire to be?
A Dreadful Pun Hell Goddess?
Given that Dr Handle is an atheist, that would create a great deal of cognitive dissonance.
So, because she is an atheist, she will have to settle for being a fairy all her life, and not aspire to being something greater?
She could make her self a Goddess, and just not believe in her self.
I’d rather see her remain a confident fairy than to be a self-doubting goddess.
Yes, but that would be a confident fairy going bald.
Hey, there are plenty of attractive wigs. Or perhaps Dr H could find a less self-injurious way of handling stress.
Or we could just stop making puns. NOT!
Actually, the question of how one’s view of deity is changed by the perception of deity within oneself is almost precisely the topic of my doctoral dissertation. So if you decide to become a goddess, DrH, let me know! I need you for my study!
JohnB, that is very interesting.
Funny how this started with the title to the picture, about underpants, then the comments meander into posts about deities.
That is a hazard when I’m around, for sure. I go from the mundane to the cosmic, the profane to the sacred, or the pedestrian to the scientific, “at the whim of a hat,” as our last Prez once said. There is actually precious little research on how spiritual thinking and practices affect a person’s mental health. There are a few studies showing yoga is beneficial. One recent study also found that Buddhists tend to be happier than the average non-Buddhist. I do call it a religion, but it is certainly the most psychological of religions.
I think that’s great. One of the many reasons to visit and read.
After reading some of the other posts today, it seems to me that some people deify what is in their underpants ( or someone else’s).
DPH fairy is happy enough in her current job. She’s seen what happens to DPH fairies who take promotions to demiurge or demigoddess, they end up flying a desk, in a management type position, and the extra money just isn’t worth it.
No, that’s Superman’s red undies you’re thinking of. You have to wear them on the outside for them to work.
And you need shiny tights, too.
How about Music Legs ? Would that work?
YES!! Superman would make beautiful music as he arrived on the scene! When you hear Gershwin, you know help is at hand!
Gershwin wrote the “Superman” theme?
Rhapsody in Blue seemed close enough.
That’s not Superman music! He needs something masculine, powerful, triumphant! (Of course, having grown up with the ’50s TV series, there’s only one tune I hear in my head when Superman springs into action.)
Rhapsody in Blue is as masculine as a tom cat. When I am rescued, I would like to hear some Gershwin.
Also I tried to link “Divine Horsemen” for you on the self and deity issue, but it got modded. I thought it was fascinating, but it may not be what you’re looking for. The moderator obviously had a better grip on it than I did.
what a lame excuse for “engrish”
What a lame excuse for a name!
what an…. OMG ALIENWARE!!!! O_O
Dong fang just means “eastern” in chinese…
But…..eastern what?
Maybe Easter’n Passover? (After all, trucks do pass over a lot of road.)
EaStSiDe.
the girl from “Teeth” meets her match.
There are weird movies, then there’s “Teeth”….
Or was i 1st? ….
) yeah i was trolling:)) i’m a troll!!!
0 o
/‾‾/__________________________ _
| I’mma Firin’ mah Lazor BLAAAAAA!!!
\‾‾\‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾ ‾‾‾‾‾
I’m SO glad your life now has meaning and purpose.
yeah…. i’ll soon become pastor in my local trolling church..
Not if anyone beats you to it FIRST!
We all know how trolls like to first.
O LAWDY
SHOOP DA WHOOP
Well, slap mah fro!
*slaps JoannaB’s fro*
Wrong fro, dude.
I am going to call him by his gender-changed name from now on!
Well, apparently your elbow bends a little more than mine, so then you shall be… what, ShadowSplicerette?
…………….sure!
This opens up the possibility of a branch of orthodontics hitherto undescribed by conventional dentistry.
That dentist better be ready before he tells the patient to spit!
I guess this is the male’s answer to vagina dentata.
And presumably, King Missile’s “Detachable Penis” was the male analogue of the ancient Greek concept of the Wandering Uterus?
Is it Happy Hour already?
Indeed. Although I would feel a bit uneasy in the waiting room.
wow ty for your explanation or what a troll is. seriously. i knew it was some sort of derogatory term but was still unsure of the definition. i didnt read the whole thing cuz i wants more engrish but ty. now for my comment on the actual engrish picture…. “dong fang” that reminds me of my laotian exgirlfriend. she was not so friendly when aggravated.
he was WROOOOOOONG (DONG) !!!
He filled your head with deceptive wikipedia content!!
It’s ALL..a CONSPIRATION!!! against the lovely trolls!!!
My pet is a troll!!
…….You keep yourself as a pet troll?
Yes, and apparently he engages in petting himself.
OM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM!!!!
Spam Bran, SPAM!
And now, something completely unnecessary.
A troll with a stoat through his head.
Trolls are best when enjoyed in a liquid form.
“Dong Fang” is Chinese Pinyin. It means “The East”, “The Orient”. In this supposedly funny picture, it’s the name of a company. I guess the poster could caption the pic “Be warned: This is only funny to people who can’t read Chinese”. ^_^
Is there really ANYBODY who can’t read Chinese? I mean, come on!
But at least now the “funny” pic looks much less funny, doesn’t it?^_^
No….it makes it funnir! Because I was laughing pretty hard at what you said!
AAAAHHHHHHH! SORRY! SORRY! SORRY! I didn’t mean to say….’the F word’ I meant to say “it makes it funnier!”
Right, you didn’t mean to. It just happened by accident, right?
Well, we just found out that SS is really a girl, since his arm bends so much. Now we know that she is wearing a Freudian slip.
Well, she clearly has been wearing that for a while now, since she always says things he didn’t mean to.
Wait…if SS is a girl, she has been hitting on me all this time…. then she must be…..
I like girls!
Sometimes men who like women also like dressing up as women.
Ugh…how repulsive!
Hmm, maybe there’s some of that on that video of your folks… better check!!!
You never know! Take it from someone who knows, on the scale of repulsive secksual acts, playing dress-up is WAY down on the repulsiveness scale. Believe me, you don’t want to know what lies on the high end of that scale!
Eddie Izzard says he’s a “male lesbian”….
He’s not a proper lesbian – he dresses too well.
No wonder when I said, that I am not into girls and definitely not into naked girls, she responded by saying “I hate you laconejita”
Good point……but I am a dude!
I just typed it really quickly because I had to get back to school!
Maybe it’s just me (although clearly it’s not, since at least SS is on the same page), but it does make it funnier, actually. I mean when Chevy was making the Nova and it turned out to be an awful name for the Spanish-speaking world, since it meant “doesn’t go,” I found that hilarious. If “Nova” had been just a made-up word, that would have made it less funny, because any time you make up a name you have to be aware of its possible meanings in different languages and even how it sounds. But you pick a perfectly innocent English word, one with even some panache (of course, I’m not sure it’s ever really a good idea to name a car after something that is massively exploding, but hey, I’m not in advertising), and it turns out to mean something negative in an important world language, that’s really funny!
The “Matador” was pretty weird, too.
Just because of the name, or because it meant something funny in another language?
Means “killer.” Those are the guys with shiny capes that do ritualized moves with a bull, then stab it in the neck and kill it.
A stab in the neck by a person versus a bolt shot into the head by a machine at the slaughterhouse… Hmm, tough choice!
This isn’t even funny and it is not even pronounced in a way that would be funny in English. LAME!
Oooh! Thanks JohnB.
I now see that those “special” underpants have already been pictured on this site previously!
And they is pank!
(like the date- anniversary of first moonlanding and a special day for me, also)
And just WHERE, may I ask, are all the obvious “Twilight” puns?