Colloquially, something desirable meant to lure targets into a trap, e.g. food on a fish-hook.
In the context of online discussion, it refers to poorly articulated and inflammatory opinions posted for the sole purpose of angering and provoking a response. The actual validity of the arguments exchanged is completely irrelevant, though baiters will often open with very poor arguments to tempt targets into an obvious rebuttal.
It's a powerful form of double bind, because:
1) Ignoring the bait makes you look like you're capitulating and "have no good response".
2) Answering aggressively opens you up to mockery about being butthurt or defensive.
3) Any calm, coherent response will be ignored, and might lead the baiter to escalate their provocation.
Regardless of how you react, these discussions are deliberately meant to waste your time and energy.
In the context of online discussion, it refers to poorly articulated and inflammatory opinions posted for the sole purpose of angering and provoking a response. The actual validity of the arguments exchanged is completely irrelevant, though baiters will often open with very poor arguments to tempt targets into an obvious rebuttal.
It's a powerful form of double bind, because:
1) Ignoring the bait makes you look like you're capitulating and "have no good response".
2) Answering aggressively opens you up to mockery about being butthurt or defensive.
3) Any calm, coherent response will be ignored, and might lead the baiter to escalate their provocation.
Regardless of how you react, these discussions are deliberately meant to waste your time and energy.
- "I can't believe how stupid this guy is, he's completely misrepresenting my position and-"
- "Dude, it's clearly bait. Let it go."
- "Dude, it's clearly bait. Let it go."
by Halucygeno May 31, 2022
Get the Bait mug.The team mate who's lack of experience is seen as a dinner bell. An otherwise unvalued team member that attracts unwanted attention of enemies or other players.
by RJRJRJRJRJ June 1, 2022
Get the Trash Bait mug.A post that is only meant to illicit a negative response aka trigger someone. Often by being overtly false, have obvious logical flaws or by having a dishonest opinion.
Person 1: When I saw that wench I immediately turned 360 degrees and walked away.
Person 2: OMG what an idiot! If you turn 360 degrees you look in the same direction again. Did you go to school?!
Person 3: What a newfag, I can't believe he fell for that ancient bait.
Person 2: OMG what an idiot! If you turn 360 degrees you look in the same direction again. Did you go to school?!
Person 3: What a newfag, I can't believe he fell for that ancient bait.
by Aufbakanleitung January 12, 2022
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Definition 1 leading or luring someone into saying what you want to hear
Definition 2 making someone say something to make you feel better
Often used by pick-me girls or Niceguys
Definition 2 making someone say something to make you feel better
Often used by pick-me girls or Niceguys
Guy: no one likes me,I bet even you wouldn't date me.
Y/N: No,I um would definitely date you...but
Guy: great see you Friday!
Guy is Baiting Y/N into going out with him
Y/N: No,I um would definitely date you...but
Guy: great see you Friday!
Guy is Baiting Y/N into going out with him
by Pitchygrl January 16, 2022
Get the Baiting mug.by Shrek the racist gamer January 21, 2022
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