LARP Meaning, Origin and Related Terms

Last updated on September 8, 2024 by Emma Grace

The slang term “LARP” is actually an acronym, although everyone tends to think of it as a standalone term. If you were wondering the meaning of this piece of slang, then your search has bought you to the right place.

LARP Meaning and Origin

  • “LARP” stands for “Live Action Role-Playing,” a form of interactive storytelling where participants physically act out their character roles in a fictional setting, often using costumes, props, and improvisation to create an immersive experience.
LARP MeaningPin
LARP Meaning – Created by 7ESL

What Does LARP Mean?

This term is used most commonly in online situations and text messaging to stand for the phrase “live action role-play.” This type of role-play is when people dress up in costumes in real life and act out some sort of fantasy scenario in a real-life setting.

“LARP” is primarily a term from role-playing games (RPGs), but specifically refers to Live Action Role-Playing. It is a type of physical, in-person role-playing activity where participants embody their characters and perform their actions in real-world settings, unlike traditional tabletop RPGs or digital games that are played on a screen or around a table.

While it is related to the broader category of gaming, LARP is considered more of a hybrid term combining elements of gaming, performance, and interactive storytelling. It is often associated with communities that enjoy immersive, narrative-driven experiences, distinct from video games or other forms of digital gaming.

Origin of LARP

There is no significant point of origin that can be identified concerning this phrase. However, the idea behind the activity has dated back since the days of children playing “cowboys and Indians,” house,” or “doctor.” People have also participated in historical re-enactments since the Roman days, which is also a form of doing this term. Therefore, the practice has been in use for many years, even though the term may have been something that has not been around as long.

Related Terms to LARP

Here are some related terms to “LARP” (Live Action Role-Playing):

  1. RPG (Role-Playing Game) – A genre of games, both tabletop and digital, where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting, making decisions and actions that affect the story.
  2. Tabletop RPG – A traditional form of role-playing game played with pen, paper, dice, and rulebooks, such as “Dungeons & Dragons,” where players describe their characters’ actions verbally rather than physically acting them out.
  3. Cosplay – Short for “costume play,” where participants dress up as characters from various media, including games, anime, and comics, often for conventions or events, which shares some overlap with LARP in terms of costume and character embodiment.
  4. MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) – A type of online video game where players role-play characters in a virtual world, often forming communities and engaging in collaborative storytelling, similar to LARP but in a digital format.
  5. NPC (Non-Player Character) – Characters in games or LARP events controlled by a game master or event organizer rather than players, used to help drive the story or setting.
  6. Game Master (GM) – The person who oversees the story, rules, and overall flow of a role-playing game or LARP, guiding players through the narrative and managing game mechanics.
  7. Improvisational Theater – A form of theater where actors create scenes and dialogue spontaneously without a script, similar to the improvisational elements found in LARP.
  8. Scenario – A predefined storyline or situation used in LARP or RPG sessions to provide a narrative framework for the players to interact with and influence.
  9. Boffer LARP – A type of LARP that involves the use of foam weapons (“boffers”) for safe, physical combat between players, often emphasizing action and tactics.
  10. Worldbuilding – The process of creating the fictional universe in which a LARP or RPG takes place, including its history, geography, cultures, and rules, which provides context for the role-playing activities.

LARP Examples

A conversation via text message between two friends.

  • Friend 1: Do you want to go LARP with me?
  • Friend 2: I didn’t know anyone did that anymore, but sure. I will give it a try.

An online discussion between two users on a gaming forum.

  • User 1: Does anyone still LARP? I used to all the time, but the group I did it with doesn’t do it anymore and I have been unable to find another group.
  • User 2: State where you are located and what you are looking for here on a post. That will help local groups find you and then they can contact you.
  • User 1: That’s a good idea. Thanks!
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