Originally, to trick someone into watching the extremely catchy "Never Gonna Give You Up" music video by the genius Rick Astley with a fake link (usually with the promise of an exclusive video).
Now used in a more general sense, for any sort of deception or trick.
"I asked for the newest Halo trailer and all I got was the Rickroll video."
"I really hope that J.K. Rowling hasn't rick rolled us with all this Dumbledore business. I would be so disappointed."
"I just rick rolled that guy into singing Evanescence at the top of his lungs in the middle of a Walmart by promising him a reward of $20,000."
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When searching for video on youtube.com and instead of getting what you want you end up watching one of Rick Astley's music videos...
Dave:" I went on youtube to check out Criss Angel's illusions and end up getting Rick Astley's Never Gonna Give You Up"
Austin:" HA you got Rick Rolled"
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<html>Being tricked into clicking on a link secretly leading to a video of "Never gonna give you up" by Rick Astley. It's speculated that being "Rick Roll'd" originated from Brooks Dyer of Hermon, Maine. (Distant relative of Rick Astley, famous in Maine) See his homepage <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBGIQ7ZuuiU">here</a> </html>
Everyone gets Rick rolled now'adays
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"Rick rolled" is a phrase used when one send you a link, possibly disguising it, that shows you to the music video Rick Astley- Never Gonna Give You Up. It can vary what video it actually sends you, it could be a video that says "Pretty ocean waves" and then BAM!! you just got Rick Rolled.
Friend: Hey dude what's the homework tonight?
You: This is the homework: *Link*
Friend: *clicks link*
Ah dude you Rick Rolled me!! How could you!
Unknowingly clicking onto a link that refers you to Risk Astley's 1987 hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up'.
Get absolutely rekt, Mr. Conaghan. You've been rick-rolled.