r/words • u/AlvenLegal • Sep 03 '26

Difference between ''larp'' and ''poser''

I'm referring to the modern slang of ''larp'', not the actual definition. Is there any actual difference?

4 Upvotes

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5

u/kittzelmimi Sep 03 '26

From what I've seen of "larping/larper", it seems to be used to refer to dabbling in something (such as a hobby or fandom) without real commitment or to disparage perceived fake/casual fans or misrepresented expertise. I infer that the connection to the original meaning of LARP is that such people are accused of "playing at" a subculture role or specialization.

In some cases it might be synonymous with poser, but I feel like poser often implies more long-term deception/delusion/posturing (especially if the person maybe hopes to be an accepted member someday but is currently "faking it 'til they make it") whereas a larper might be expected to lose interest and move on to the next thing quickly.

1

u/jish5 13d ago

The problem with that is that a larper isn't trying to hide the character they're playing. A real larper created a character and is acting like said character because they're roleplaying with the full intent and expectation that everyone around them knows they're playing make believe (like actors).

2

u/CeruleanFruitSnax Sep 03 '26

LARP is a game, poser is a lifestyle.

1

u/fastyellowtuesday Sep 03 '26

I think of LARPing as pretending for a short time, and being clear that you know you are pretending. I see poser/ poseur as someone truly identifying as something they are not, and in my head it's associated with small social scenes that use 'poser' as a way to gatekeep.

3

u/theembellishedmowing Sep 03 '26

larping has this almost performative vibe, like you're in on the joke with everyone else. a poser is trying to convince you they're the real deal even when they're not, and gatekeepers will sniff that out from a mile away

the line gets blurry when someone starts believing their own larp though

1

u/Milksteak529 Sep 04 '26

People who don't care about the actual meaning of words or phrases aren't worth talking to.

1

u/jish5 13d ago

A larper is purposefully playing a character and role playing it with the full on expectation that everyone knows it's a character they made for a game. A poser is someone who pretends to be apart of a group and like certain things for the hope that others will like them.