I learned today:

[low_delta]

In Middle English the word "troll" (derived from French troller, or 'wander') is attested from 1377 and was used to mean 'to go about, stroll'; later this term was derogatively applied to those women who followed soldiers with the purpose of prostitution and probably evolved into the word trollop ('strumpet, prostitute'); these meanings are now archaic, although stroll ('to walk about in a leisurely manner') is certainly still in everyday use.

The word tycoon is derived from the Japanese word taikun. The literal meaning is "great lord" and was historically used to imply to foreigners visiting Japan that the Shogun was supreme ruler of the country. The word entered the English Language in the 19th Century with the return of Commodore Perry to the United States. U.S. President Abraham Lincoln was humorously referred to as "the Tycoon" by his aides John Nicolay and John Hay. The term spread to the business community, where it has been used ever since.

Comments

[i.livejournal.com]

ok, i basically understand where trolling for fish and trolling for drama on lj come from, but what about the ugly mean guy under the bridge?

[roadskoller.livejournal.com]

Between your and vocalista's posts, I'm learning new words and their backgrounds. I love that kind of thing.

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

That's what I always associated internet trolls with.

[vocalista001.livejournal.com]

I see you and I were trolling for definition yesterday :-D

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

I just happened across them. I didn't have to look them up like you did.