A specialized form of reactbait focused specifically on triggering psychological trauma or intense emotional distress in a target. Triggerbait involves identifying a person's known triggers—past trauma, deep fears, painful memories—and deliberately invoking them. A single word, an image, a reference to a traumatic event—carefully chosen to cause maximum psychological pain. The goal is not just reaction but wounding, not just emotion but damage. Triggerbait is psychological warfare at its most intimate and cruel, requiring knowledge of the target's vulnerabilities and willingness to exploit them.
Example: "She'd shared once that she had PTSD from a car accident. Months later, after an argument, he triggerbaited her: a graphic description of a car crash, timed to catch her alone at night. She spiraled, couldn't sleep, couldn't function. He'd stored her trauma like ammunition, waiting for the perfect moment to fire. Triggerbait had done its work: maximum pain, minimal effort."
by Abzugal February 19, 2026
Get the Triggerbait mug.Those who observe it play pranks and jokes on one another or participate in hoaxes, shouting “Triggerfish!” once a jape is complete.
by InsaneWaffle March 25, 2025
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A satirical term for people who are frequently or easily offended, especially over political or cultural topics. Derived from “triggered” and “-ati” (as in literati, cognoscenti, or Illuminati), suggesting a self-important group devoted to outrage.
by AndrewJM70 July 22, 2025
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(slang)
When someone freaks out or panics because they can’t reach the person they need to talk to—usually during a stressful or urgent situation. Comes from the “504 Gateway Timeout” error online, meaning the “gateway” (the person you're trying to contact) isn’t responding. Basically: emotional timeout = meltdown mode.
(slang)
When someone freaks out or panics because they can’t reach the person they need to talk to—usually during a stressful or urgent situation. Comes from the “504 Gateway Timeout” error online, meaning the “gateway” (the person you're trying to contact) isn’t responding. Basically: emotional timeout = meltdown mode.
Example:
“Bro, I texted Maya five times about the fight I had with my boss and she didn’t answer. I was triggering a 504 alarm thinking she ghosted me in my moment of crisis.”
“Bro, I texted Maya five times about the fight I had with my boss and she didn’t answer. I was triggering a 504 alarm thinking she ghosted me in my moment of crisis.”
by Belladumbee December 7, 2025
Get the Triggering a 504 Alarm mug.A Ratnerarian term targeting specific individuals for the sake of offending someone or causing a massive revolt.
by ZJ2112 March 8, 2017
Get the selectively triggering mug.by suguvAkuma April 11, 2017
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by PHTM_Dragon October 26, 2017
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