Backtrolling (bæk•troʊl•ɪŋ) (verb)
The exact origin of this word is often disputed, due to the usage in two distinct cultural subgroups; Rural Cajun, and
Urban Black/African
American. Both variants come from Southern Louisiana and date back to the early 1980s.
1. Cajun: The act of using an outboard boat motor to slowly move backwards while fishing. This was often done due to lack of the financial resources needed to obtain a trolling motor and deep cycle battery for a fishing boat. Running the motor in reverse allows for a slower “
trolling” effect needed for certain fishing techniques.
2. Black/African
American: The act of moving backwards using reverse in a
car on idle, while attempting to capture attention of potential female mates. This is most commonly done with a group of 2-4 males, whom after passing a group of females, will put the car in reverse and idle backwards to meet them.
Example (1): “Clovis, How’s ya mama an’ dem!”? “Me an Ti-Jean
gone backtrolling, caught barbue. Gonna make coo’
boo yon”.
Example (2): “Y’all Niggas backtrolling”? “Ahhh Shiit,
check thottie”.