Trollish
/ˈtroʊl.ɪʃ/noun
Resembling or characteristic of a troll, especially in being ugly, rude, or deliberately irritating.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to a Germanic root linked to roaming, twisting, or casting spells, which is why trolls in folklore often feel less like jokes and more like dangerous beings from the wild edge of the world.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*trullan / *truzlą
“A rolling, wandering, or twisting creature or action; the exact prehistoric form is uncertain.”
Old Norse
ON
troll
“A giant, monster, or supernatural being.”
Middle English
ME
trol
“A troll; a monstrous or malicious creature in folklore.”
16th-19th Century
English
troll
“A supernatural goblin or monster in Scandinavian-influenced usage.”
Modern English
English
trollish
“Having the qualities of a troll; ugly, rude, or annoyingly provocative.”