Larper
nounPronunciation (Standard): lar-per
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlɑːrpər/
Definition Meaning
A person who pretends or acts out a role, often in an exaggerated or unrealistic way, sometimes in online or political contexts.
Part of Speech
- noun
Usage Examples
- The internet is full of larpers pretending to be activists.
- He's just a larper, trying to push a political agenda by pretending to be part of a group.
Synonyms
- poser
- pretender
- actor
Antonyms
- genuine
- authentic
Related Words
- role-playing
- simulation
- deception
Disambiguating Definition
Larpers are individuals who indulge in role-playing or act as though they belong to a certain group or cause, often for online attention or political clout.
Word History
LARP (Live Action Role Playing) is a practice of pretending to be someone or something else, where participants physically act out scenarios as their chosen characters. The term 'LARPer' originally referred to those involved in this immersive, fantasy-based activity. Over time, however, the term has evolved into a broader political context, often used pejoratively to describe individuals who are seen as pretending to have certain beliefs or roles in political, social, or ideological spheres, especially when those actions are perceived as inauthentic or performative.