How did the Polls & Surveys users come up with calling people who respond rudely "TROLLS"?

Question

That's very unique to call them TROLLS. I wouldn't have been smart enough to think like that.

Answer 1

The term "troll" has actually been in wide use for years. It refers to someone who intentionally posts rude, inflammatory or otherwise offensive statements on an Internet forum, such Answers. Trolls may also post offensive pictures or link to offensive sites (i.e., pornographic). Their purpose in all this is to harass other users, provoke a reaction or create conflict. Another type of troll is a "clone" or impostor, who poses as another user in an attempt to discredit them.
Why do they do these things? I suppose it's because they lead such pathetic lives & can only build themselves up by tearing others down.

Answer 2

In Internet terminology, a troll is someone who intentionally posts derogatory or otherwise inflammatory messages about sensitive topics in an established online community such as an online discussion forum to bait users into responding. They may also plant images and data on networks that others may find disturbing (usually indirectly relating to the individual in person) in order to cause confrontation.

Answer 3

yet another violation: attending to the element "The above is an ideal answer to the aforementioned hypothetical question, if certainly this is a question, as according to the words and stipulations set forth with the aid of the trolls at Yahoo." Amen and Glory Be!

Answer 4

Actually, P&S, users weren't the origional ones that came up with it. People have been calling them that as far back as I can remember. Really, though, I wonder who came up with that.

Answer 5

I don't know but I kind of like it though. I think I may use it for people who are not quite on the up and up.

Answer 6

I know... when I first heard it I thought of that kind of elf, that's also a troll.

Answer 7

maybe someone was trying to spell toll
but they messed up and got t-r-o-l-l