Is there a term for it?

[furtech]

The net is crazy about giving names to behaviors, types of people and actions. Troll...sniper...L337...etc.

So is there a term for people who use particularly gross or obscene icons in a context that is out of place? Or a word for that type of icon (which is disturbing or gross-- in a Jr. High kind of way)?

I was curious because I've seen a couple of them in forums/groups that are relatively innocuous and all-ages. It's almost like they're -daring- someone to complain so that they can call them square (or whatever the term is now).

Comments

[mistahbojangles.livejournal.com]

FUBAR wouldn't work?

[millencolinf0x.livejournal.com]

oh good...I'm not the only one disturbed by this.

[cooner.livejournal.com]

F***ing immature moron wouldn't cover it, would it ...?

[dustmeat.livejournal.com]

I think they are just immature, actually. "Look at me, I am EDGY!!11!"

[furtech.livejournal.com]

I think you've come closest to pegging them. They're edgy-posers who want others to see them as such. But, IMO, doing that with a user icon is like wearing a t-shirt that says, "OMG, I'm SO COOL!"

[brokkentwolf.livejournal.com]

Instigator? Provocateur?

[farallon.livejournal.com]

Idiot? 'Tard? Noob? Troll?

The problem is it could be an 8 year old with no concept of proper netiquite. Or it could be some 45 year old troll that just likes to poke at bee hives.

Specifically though, if a person really is "daring someone to complain", that is the very definition of "Troll".

[furtech.livejournal.com]

That's the problem: the content of their posts is just fine...it's just their icon that's in poor taste. And it one of those situations where if you complain, you'll be inundated with people accusing you of being petty or square or whatever. You come off looking like an idiot for being bothered by something so minor.

Mostly I'm wondering if there isn't already a name for that type. "Troll" is a perfect word (it implies the accused is dorky, foolish, obvious and those accused react negatively), but not appropriate.

I guess I can just ask nicely...

[c-eagle.livejournal.com]

I think what happens often is that they are in one mode when they make their Howard Stern shock jock icon, and later down the line when they are making posts, they forget that their icon is a partner in emoting, or they just don't care, or worse.. they intend that paradoxical combo.

remember, if something's good these days, it's sick ;>