To deliberately post provocative or disruptive content on the internet in order to provoke reactions from other users and disrupt discussions.
example
Ignoriere den Kommentar, der will doch nur trollen.
Ignore the comment; he just wants to troll.
Usage tips
Context clue
The three meanings are clearly separate. You can recognize the internet meaning from words like 'Forum' (forum), 'Kommentar' (comment), or 'online' (online). The colloquial meaning 'weggehen' (to leave) is always reflexive ('sich trollen'). The third meaning is a technical term in fishing.
EXAMPLE
Er wurde aus dem Forum ausgeschlossen, weil er ständig getrollt hat.
He was banned from the forum because he was constantly trolling.
Register and style
This meaning of 'trollen' (to troll) is a modern loanword from English and belongs to internet language. It is mainly used in online contexts such as forums, social media, or chats.
EXAMPLE
Manche Leute haben Spaß daran, in Online-Diskussionen zu trollen.
Some people enjoy trolling in online discussions.
Sentence structure and usage
In the meaning 'sich davonmachen' (to make oneself scarce), the verb is always reflexive. So you must use 'sich trollen'. It is also colloquial and can sound slightly derogatory or joking.
EXAMPLE
Troll dich! Ich will dich hier nicht mehr sehen.
Clear off! I don't want to see you here anymore.
Origin of the expression
The expression 'sich trollen' (to clear off) is derived from the fairy-tale figure 'der Troll' (the troll). It vividly describes a somewhat lumbering or awkward departure, as one might imagine a troll doing.
EXAMPLE
Der Betrunkene trollte sich aus der Bar.
The drunk man stumbled out of the bar.
Compare with
near_synonym
trollen vs verschwinden
to disappear
'verschwinden' and 'sich trollen' can both express that someone goes away. 'verschwinden' is much more general and can be neutral: a person or thing is simply no longer visible. However, it can also be used as a rude command. 'sich trollen' is colloquial, rare, and often joking or derogatory. It sounds as if someone should finally clear off. In everyday language, 'verschwinden' is clearly more normal; 'sich trollen' fits more in casual or mocking situations.
trollen
Nach dem letzten Witz trollten sich die Gäste langsam nach Hause.
After the last joke, the guests slowly cleared off and went home.
verschwinden
Im Supermarkt verschwindet mein Einkaufszettel immer genau dann, wenn ich ihn brauche.
At the supermarket, my shopping list always disappears exactly when I need it.