Troll (gay slang)

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Troll is gay slang used by some gay, bisexual, and questioning men to describe others who cruise for sex or potential partners, often by moving through public or semi-public spaces looking for contact.

The term can be positive or negative, depending on who says it and why. As a verb, to troll simply means to cruise or look for sex. As a noun, a “troll” usually refers to an older or less attractive man who is seeking younger partners, though this negative image isn’t universal.

Troll is linked to Polari, a historical slang used in Britain’s gay subculture. The origins aren’t certain. Some connections point to folklore ideas of a roaming creature, while others come from language clues in Scandinavian and other roots. Over time, troll has come to mean different things in different places and among different groups.

In practice, trolling often means moving around in areas where gay social life happens—bars, clubs, or other venues—so potential partners have a chance to notice. It may be described as cruising, selecting partners who fit a desired look or age range, and can be playful or more serious depending on the situation and people involved.

There are variations and jokes within the slang. For example, “trolley-dolly” is a separate joke term for a gay flight attendant. The core idea, however, is about seeking sexual or romantic contact through slow, casual movement and looking for opportunities to connect.

Safety and legality vary by place. Public or semi-public sex is often illegal, and police responses can range from lax to aggressive. Public attitudes toward cruising can affect how people in the community feel about it, especially in areas where trust with authorities is important.

In short, troll is a flexible term in gay slang for cruising for sex, with a mix of playful and negative meanings. Its exact sense depends on who’s using it, where, and why.