Okay, I'm relatively new to the whole Travel Talk scence (and the message board scene in general). I am DYING to know what a "troll" is. Help!

A troll is a person who visits a message board and posts provocative things just to see how upset they can get people. Sometimes you will see posts with racist overtons, or inflamatory remarks that get the hackles of other users all raised. Occassionally a troll can be kind of funny... on the Europe Boards a troll posted a "How much should I tip the pilot" message which got some hysterical examples. An effective troll is not obviously a troll.

Does Newbie's question suggests he or she is a troll ... i.e., perhaps an example of a troll who is not an obvious troll?

I am not exactly DYING to know, but I'd like to know where the term "Newbie" came from. Yes, I know it means someone new to something, but this word is not part of my lexicon -- I'm a northeastern American.

And I have an overwhelmingly strong suspicion that this is, indeed, a troll with a wonderful sense of circular irony.

Okay, lets all play along as the troll talks about the troll. You asked about Newbie ... well, the word means stupid. Naturally.

Thanks a lot, guys. I am NOT a troll, just someone who was a little clueless about terminology. Thanks for calling me stupid, too.

Oh, Newbie, learn to take a joke, will ya! You must have been watching the thread. Didn't take you long to answer. That's sort of a dumb way to spend your day. To the top.

Newbie-You have just been TROLLED!! Have a great day!

Don't listen to these people! There is wonderful travel information on all these boards. This is the best travel website on the Internet. Don't let the meanies run you off.