verb

larping

LAR-ping

Larping (verb) means taking part in live action role play: physically acting out a character in costume, in a game with other players. Example: “They spend weekends larping in the woods.”

verb

informal Taking part in live action role play: physically acting out a character in costume, in a game with other players.

"They spend weekends larping in the woods."

slang Informal and disparaging: play-acting an identity or expertise you do not really have.

"He is just larping as a trader."

How to use larping

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishActing out a character in real life as a game — or pretending to be something you aren't.

When to use it

The hobby sense is neutral; the "pretending" sense is an insult.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

They spend weekends _____ in the woods.

Etymology

From the acronym LARP, live action role play, used as a verb.

Origin: English

Frequently asked questions

What does larping mean?

Live action role play — acting out a character in person, usually in costume, as part of a game. Online it is also used mockingly for someone pretending to be something they are not.

What does LARP stand for?

Live action role play.

What is the meaning of larping?

"larping" (verb) means taking part in live action role play: physically acting out a character in costume, in a game with other players.

What are the different meanings of larping?

"larping" has 2 main meanings: 1. Taking part in live action role play: physically acting out a character in costume, in a game with other players; 2. Informal and disparaging: play-acting an identity or expertise you do not really have.