Flaming

Flaming is the practice of posting messages that are deliberately hostile and insulting to a discussion board (usually on the Internet). Such messages are called a flames.

A flame may have elements of a normal message, but is distinguished by its intent. A flame is never intended to be constructive, to further or clarify a discussion, or to persuade other people. The motive for flaming is never dialectic, but rather social or psychological. The flamer wishes to assert his authority, or establish a position of superiority. Occasionally, the flamer merely wishes to upset and offend other members of the forum, in which case he is a troll.

Similary, a normal, non-flame message may have elements of a flame - it may be hostile, for example - but it is not a flame if it is seriously intended to advance the discussion.