Language, especially internet slang, can change considerably over time as terms move from a niche community to the mainstream lexicon, as we've seen with examples like "cooked."

In recent years, the slang acronyms "LARP" and "LARPing" have seen a similar shift as they've broken out of role-playing groups and become widespread internet terms.

Originally, “LARP” (or “larping”) stood for “live-action role-play,” a type of immersive game in which participants physically act out characters in real-world settings, often in costumes or cosplay.

While the term dates back to at least the 1970s, its meaning has shifted significantly in the internet age. Today, it’s often used online to accuse someone of pretending to be something they’re not.

So, how did LARP and LARPing (or as they're more commonly seen now, "larp" and "larping") first become a thing, and how have they shifted online to become slang terms in memes and other posts in recent years? Let's explain.

Where Does "LARP" Originally Come From?

The term “LARP” is derived from “live-action role-play,” a form of role-playing game in which participants portray characters in real-world environments. Players typically act out such scenarios in real time, often involving costumes, cosplay and staged battles, similar to improvisational performance.

These games first emerged in the late 1970s, influenced by tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, which gave them a framework to use, and spread internationally throughout the 1980s.

Originally, “larp” was used strictly to describe these immersive games. However, as the internet grew in the 2000s and 2010s, the term began appearing more frequently online, shifting slightly in its meaning and usage.

By the 2020s, “larping” had taken on a new, more figurative meaning. It is now commonly used to describe someone perceived as pretending to be knowledgeable, experienced or authentic, essentially accusing them of being performative rather than being genuine.

@flockstarksremade how to larp as a EAGLES fan!! || #jalenhurtsqb #larp #fyp #nfl #activites ♬ original sound – newera8

How Is LARP Used In Memes In The 2020s?

As the term evolved in the 2020s, “larp” became a common way to call out perceived inauthenticity online. It is often used similarly to terms like "try hard" or "performative," and is sometimes deployed as an insult toward people seen as faking expertise or identity.

In this context, calling someone a “larper” suggests they are playing a role rather than being sincere.

In memes, “larping” is frequently used to mock individuals or groups who appear overly invested in an identity, hobby or belief without genuine understanding. The term is also used as shorthand in arguments, where users dismiss others by claiming they are merely “larping.”

@imagineunderscore lmk what yall think #imagineunderscore #yap #larp #chiikawa #sanrio ♬ Melodica and accordion swing jazz – harryfaoki

Another common use involves unearned flexing or flaunting money and luxuries that one does not actually own, reinforcing the idea that the person is acting and faking it rather than being authentic.

@adavia #larp ♬ Ts Pmo – Bedtime Baby Lullabies

What Are Some Related Memes And Slang?

The catchphrase "Fake and Gay" is similarly used online to dismiss content as staged, unbelievable or outright false. While the wording itself is simple, its meaning leans heavily on internet culture, where it functions as a quick, blunt reaction to dubious media.

The phrase rose to prominence in the early 2010s and became closely associated with viral video commentary. In this context, “Fake and Gay” serves a similar purpose as "larping," primarily reducing a complex critique down to a short, recognizable reaction that signals disbelief or skepticism.

What Are Some Examples Of Larp / Larping Memes?

@calithekid1 Shop my brand @Grailed Locker ♬ Bleach – 𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇®

@pressique anime larps are hard to find since they just watch recaps #animefypシ #larp #animetiktok #csm #subahibi ♬ original sound – kcan

@cookedbyzero Let it go gng get a new word #larp #fyp #foryoupage #tmnt2012 #larp ♬ Set it off – 🤞🏾

@mama_laki22 edit: OMG TY FOR 10K LIKES??? 🥹 #fypシ゚viral🖤tiktok #dontflop #phightingroblox #larp #shitpost ♬ original sound – MeduKitty (｡•̀ᴗ-) ✨

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For the full history of Larp as a slang term, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry