rage bait
/reɪdʒ beɪt/
Meaning
This term refers to internet content (posts, videos, articles) created specifically to anger people so they will comment, share, and argue, thereby boosting the content's engagement metrics. It is highly casual and cynical, used to warn others not to interact with manipulative media.
Examples
-
Don't reply to that tweet; it's obvious rage bait designed to get clicks.
Don't reply to that tweet; it's obvious rage bait designed to get clicks.
-
That recipe video where she ruins a perfectly good steak is just rage bait.
That recipe video where she ruins a perfectly good steak is just rage bait.
-
I fell for the rage bait and spent an hour arguing with a troll online.
I fell for the rage bait and spent an hour arguing with a troll online.
-
Most political commentary on TikTok is just low-effort rage bait.
Most political commentary on TikTok is just low-effort rage bait.
-
He makes a living posting rage bait that gets millions of angry views.
He makes a living posting rage bait that gets millions of angry views.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ This post is a rage baiting.
✓ This post is rage bait.
'Rage bait' is a noun. 'Rage-baiting' is a verb/gerund, but when describing the post itself, use the noun 'rage bait.'
-
✗ I got so angry because of that bait of rage.
✓ I got so angry because of that rage bait.
The term is a compound noun and cannot be broken up or rearranged into 'bait of rage.'
Related Expressions
Practice
-
That ridiculous article about banning coffee is pure ___.
💡 Content designed to make you angry for clicks.
Show answer
rage bait
-
Don't comment on his post; you're just feeding the ___.
💡 Manipulative content seeking angry reactions.
Show answer
rage bait