What does Rickroll mean?
A Rickroll is a online prank where a misleading link redirects an unsuspecting user to Rick Astley’s 1987 music video.
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Slang. Also written Rick-roll, Rickrolling, Rickrolled.
Where it comes from
The joke evolved from a 2006 4chan word filter prank known as duckroll. On May 15, 2007, a 4chan user posted a link promising a video game trailer that actually led to Rick Astley’s "Never Gonna Give You Up". It went global in 2008 through YouTube April Fools’ pranks and public events.
How it is actually used
Used as a harmless bait-and-switch prank across video edits, hidden QR codes, and disguise links. The tone is playful, nostalgic, and universally recognized across all generations. The primary risk for a brand is appearing unoriginal or outdated if the execution lacks a novel twist.
Examples
- "thought I was clicking the recipe link but got rickrolled instead"
- "scanned the QR code on the poster and got absolute rickrolled"
- "top tier rickroll in the middle of that presentation"
Can a brand use it? Safe for brands
Safe and universally understood. Keep the prank innocent and avoid disguising genuine technical or safety links as the joke.
Related terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Rickroll mean?
It means tricking someone into clicking a link that unexpectedly opens the music video for Rick Astley’s "Never Gonna Give You Up".
When started the Rickroll meme?
It grew from late 2006 forum pranks, with the first recorded link posted in May 2007 before achieving mainstream fame in 2008.
Is Rickrolling safe for brands?
Yes. It is a wholesome, lighthearted prank, though it requires creative execution to avoid feeling stale.
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