Troll vs. Troller — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 19, 2024
A troll is someone who deliberately provokes others online, while a troller is someone who fishes by dragging a baited line through the water.
Difference Between Troll and Troller
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A troll, in the context of the internet, is an individual who posts inflammatory, irrelevant, or offensive comments to disrupt discussions and provoke reactions. Their primary goal is to create chaos and incite arguments among users. A troller, on the other hand, is someone who practices trolling in fishing, which involves slowly dragging a baited line or lure through the water to attract and catch fish.
Trolls are often associated with negative online behavior, targeting communities and individuals to derail conversations and spread discord. They can be found on social media platforms, forums, and comment sections, where their disruptive tactics can significantly impact the online experience for others.
Trollers in the fishing context employ a specific technique designed to cover a large area of water and attract fish that might not be actively seeking food. This method is popular in both recreational and commercial fishing for various types of fish, including salmon and tuna.
While trolling as an online activity is generally viewed negatively due to its disruptive nature, trolling in fishing is a legitimate and widely practiced technique, valued for its effectiveness in catching fish over a broad area.
The motivations behind trolling online and trolling in fishing are entirely different. Online trolls seek to disrupt and provoke, whereas trollers in fishing aim to achieve success in catching fish using a strategic approach.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Individual who provokes others online
Person who fishes by dragging a baited line through water
Purpose
To disrupt discussions and provoke reactions
To catch fish by covering a large area
Common Context
Social media, forums, comment sections
Lakes, rivers, oceans
Perception
Generally negative due to disruptive behavior
Neutral to positive as a fishing technique
Motivation
To create chaos and incite arguments
To successfully catch fish using a strategic method
Compare with Definitions
Troll
A person who posts provocative messages to elicit reactions.
The troll kept leaving offensive comments to upset the community.
Troller
A person employing trolling techniques to attract fish over a large area.
The experienced troller knew the best spots to find tuna.
Troll
Someone who disrupts online discussions with irrelevant or inflammatory content.
Don't feed the troll; they just want to start an argument.
Troller
An angler practicing trolling as a fishing strategy.
The troller used multiple lines to increase his chances of success.
Troll
An individual aiming to provoke others for their amusement.
The forum banned him for being a persistent troll.
Troller
Someone who drags baited lines behind a moving boat.
They spent the morning as trollers on the lake.
Troll
A person using deceitful tactics to mislead others online.
The troll pretended to be someone else to create confusion.
Troller
A recreational or commercial fisher using slow-moving lures.
The troller adjusted the boat's speed to optimize their catch.
Troll
A troll is a being in Scandinavian folklore, including Norse mythology. In Old Norse sources, beings described as trolls dwell in isolated rocks, mountains, or caves, live together in small family units, and are rarely helpful to human beings.
Troller
To fish for by trailing a baited line from behind a slowly moving boat.
Troll
(in folklore) an ugly creature depicted as either a giant or a dwarf.
Troller
To fish in by trailing a baited line
Troll the lake for bass.
Troll
A person who makes a deliberately offensive or provocative online post
One solution is to make a troll's postings invisible to the rest of community once they've been recognized
Troller
To trail (a baited line) in fishing.
Troll
A line or bait used in trolling for fish.
Troller
To move around in (an area) or go to (different places) searching for something
"The players cautiously refrain from saying anything candid to the press trolling the clubhouse" (David Grann).
Troll
Make a deliberately offensive or provocative online post with the aim of upsetting someone or eliciting an angry response from them
If people are obviously trolling then I'll delete your posts and do my best to ban you
You folks taking this opportunity to troll me, you really need to reassess your values in your life
Troller
To examine or search through
Trolling the classifieds for a cheap car.
Troll
Carefully and systematically search an area for something
A group of companies trolling for partnership opportunities
I spent tonight trolling the Internet for expensive lighting gear
Troller
To sing in succession the parts of (a round, for example).
Troll
Walk in a leisurely way; stroll
We all trolled into town
Troller
To sing heartily
Troll a carol.
Troll
Sing (something) in a happy and carefree way
He trolled a note or two
Troller
To post inflammatory or irrelevant material on (an electronic forum) to provoke responses.
Troll
To fish for by trailing a baited line from behind a slowly moving boat.
Troller
To fish by trailing a line, as from a moving boat.
Troll
To fish in by trailing a baited line
Troll the lake for bass.
Troller
To stroll along or wander
"As he was extremely early, he trolled past the community center" (David Bezmozgis).
Troll
To trail (a baited line) in fishing.
Troller
To move around in an area or go to different places searching for something.
Troll
To move around in (an area) or go to (different places) searching for something
"The players cautiously refrain from saying anything candid to the press trolling the clubhouse" (David Grann).
Troller
To examine or search through something
Trolling through old family photos looking for a picture of my aunt.
Troll
To examine or search through
Trolling the classifieds for a cheap car.
Troller
(Music) To sing heartily or gaily.
Troll
To sing in succession the parts of (a round, for example).
Troller
The act of trolling for fish.
Troll
To sing heartily
Troll a carol.
Troller
A lure, such as a spoon or spinner, that is used for trolling.
Troll
To post inflammatory or irrelevant material on (an electronic forum) to provoke responses.
Troller
(Music) A vocal composition in successive parts; a round.
Troll
To fish by trailing a line, as from a moving boat.
Troller
A person who posts inflammatory or otherwise unwanted material on an electronic forum, especially anonymously.
Troll
To stroll along or wander
"As he was extremely early, he trolled past the community center" (David Bezmozgis).
Troller
The material so posted.
Troll
To move around in an area or go to different places searching for something.
Troller
One who fishes by trolling.
Troll
To examine or search through something
Trolling through old family photos looking for a picture of my aunt.
Troller
An engine-powered fishing boat, used for moving slowly while fishing lines drag behind, sometimes able to sail in shallow water.
Troll
(Music) To sing heartily or gaily.
Troller
(internet) A troll; a user who maliciously provokes others.
Troll
The act of trolling for fish.
Troller
One who trolls.
Troll
A lure, such as a spoon or spinner, that is used for trolling.
Troller
A fisherman who uses a hook and line
Troll
(Music) A vocal composition in successive parts; a round.
Troller
A fisherman who uses trolling methods to catch fish.
The troller caught a large salmon using a brightly colored lure.
Troll
A person who posts inflammatory or otherwise unwanted material on an electronic forum, especially anonymously.
Troll
The material so posted.
Troll
A supernatural creature of Scandinavian folklore, variously portrayed as a friendly or mischievous dwarf or as a giant, that lives in caves, in the hills, or under bridges.
Troll
(Derogatory) A person, especially an older gay man, considered to be unpleasant or ugly.
Troll
(fantasy) A supernatural being of varying size, now especially a grotesque humanoid creature living in caves or hills or under bridges.
Troll
(slang) An ugly person of either sex, especially one seeking sexual experiences.
Troll
Optical ejections from the top of the electrically active core regions of thunderstorms that are red in color that seem to occur after tendrils of vigorous sprites extend downward toward the cloud tops.
Troll
An instance of trolling, especially, in fishing, the trailing of a baited line.
Troll
A person who posts or says inflammatory, insincere, digressive, extraneous, or off-topic messages to provoke others on the Internet for their own personal amusement or to manipulate others' perception.
Keyboard warrior
Troll
The act of moving round; routine; repetition.
Troll
A song whose parts are sung in succession; a catch; a round.
Troll
(obsolete) A trolley.
Troll
(intransitive) To saunter.
Troll
(intransitive) To trundle, to roll from side to side.
Troll
To draw someone or something out, to entice, to lure as if with trailing bait.
Troll
To fish using a line and bait or lures trailed behind a boat similarly to trawling; to lure fish with bait.
Troll
(transitive) To angle for with a trolling line, or with a hook drawn along the surface of the water; hence, to allure.
Troll
(transitive) To fish in; to try to catch fish from.
Troll
To stroll about in order to find a sexual partner.
He spends most of his waking hours trolling on WIRE.
Troll
To post or make inflammatory or insincere statements so as to attempt to lure others into combative argument for purposes of personal entertainment or to manipulate others' perception, especially in an online community or discussion.
Troll
To move circularly; to roll; to turn.
Troll
To send about; to circulate, as a vessel in drinking.
Troll
To sing the parts of in succession, as of a round, a catch, and the like; also, to sing loudly, freely or in a carefree way.
Troll
A supernatural being, often represented as of diminutive size, but sometimes as a giant, and fabled to inhabit caves, hills, and like places; a witch.
Troll
The act of moving round; routine; repetition.
Troll
A song the parts of which are sung in succession; a catch; a round.
Thence the catch and troll, while "Laughter, holding both his sides," sheds tears to song and ballad pathetic on the woes of married life.
Troll
A trolley.
Troll
To move circularly or volubly; to roll; to turn.
To dress and troll the tongue, and roll the eye.
Troll
To send about; to circulate, as a vessel in drinking.
Then doth she troll to the bowl.
Troll the brown bowl.
Troll
To sing the parts of in succession, as of a round, a catch, and the like; also, to sing loudly or freely.
Will you troll the catch ?
His sonnets charmed the attentive crowd,By wide-mouthed mortaltrolled aloud.
Troll
To angle for with a trolling line, or with a book drawn along the surface of the water; hence, to allure.
Troll
To fish in; to seek to catch fish from.
With patient angle trolls the finny deep.
Troll
To roll; to run about; to move around; as, to troll in a coach and six.
Troll
To move rapidly; to wag.
Troll
To take part in trolling a song.
Troll
To fish with a rod whose line runs on a reel; also, to fish by drawing the hook through the water.
Their young men . . . trolled along the brooks that abounded in fish.
Troll
(Scandanavian folklore) a supernatural creature (either a dwarf or a giant) that is supposed to live in caves or in the mountains
Troll
A partsong in which voices follow each other; one voice starts and others join in one after another until all are singing different parts of the song at the same time;
They enjoyed singing rounds
Troll
A fisherman's lure that is used in trolling;
He used a spinner as his troll
Troll
Angling by drawing a baited line through the water
Troll
Circulate, move around
Troll
Cause to move round and round;
The child trolled her hoop
Troll
Sing the parts of (a round) in succession
Troll
Angle with a hook and line drawn through the water
Troll
Sing loudly and without inhibition
Troll
Praise or celebrate in song;
All tongues shall troll you
Troll
Speak or recite rapidly or in a rolling voice
Troll
An online user who spreads discord by posting controversial statements.
She identified the troll and reported his behavior to the moderators.
Common Curiosities
Why do trolls disrupt online discussions?
Trolls disrupt online discussions to provoke reactions and create chaos for their amusement.
What is a troll?
A troll is an individual who deliberately provokes others online by posting inflammatory or disruptive comments.
Where are trolls commonly found?
Trolls are commonly found on social media platforms, forums, and comment sections.
How can you deal with an online troll?
The best way to deal with an online troll is to ignore them, report their behavior, and avoid engaging with their comments.
What is the purpose of trolling in fishing?
The purpose of trolling in fishing is to cover a large area and attract fish that might not be actively seeking food.
Can trolling online be harmful?
Yes, online trolling can be harmful as it can disrupt communities, cause distress, and spread misinformation.
What equipment is used by a troller?
A troller uses baited lines or lures, a moving boat, and sometimes multiple rods to increase catch efficiency.
Who is a troller in fishing?
A troller is someone who fishes by dragging baited lines or lures through the water to catch fish.
Do trolls have any positive impact?
Generally, trolls are seen as negative due to their disruptive behavior, though some may argue they can highlight community vulnerabilities.
Can anyone become a troller in fishing?
Yes, with the right equipment and knowledge of trolling techniques, anyone can practice trolling in fishing.
What are the benefits of trolling in fishing?
The benefits include covering a large area, attracting various fish species, and increasing the chances of a successful catch.
Is trolling the same in every online community?
While the tactics may vary, the fundamental goal of provoking reactions and creating disruption is consistent across communities.
Is trolling in fishing considered a positive activity?
Yes, trolling in fishing is a legitimate technique and is often considered a positive and effective fishing method.
What motivates a troll?
Trolls are often motivated by a desire for attention, amusement, or to cause distress to others.
What type of fish can be caught by trolling?
Trolling can be used to catch a variety of fish, including salmon, tuna, walleye, and many others.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
