How to identify a larper

there’s two definitions first is live action role player the second definition is slang for someone who hops on trends

The term is quite loaded and, like most words on the internet with negative connotations, eventually comes to mean "thing I don't like" or "person who doesn't agree with me". Specific definitions are eroded over time, leaving just another generic insult.

But for now it is essentially the modern incarnation of a "fake fan" or a "phony".

Of course, not every fan is going to have the same level of investment in a property. Some may be very dedicated, learning every fact and facet of it they can, attending events and conventions, participating in a competitive scene if it is a game with such a thing. But others may just have very casual familiarity with it. Perhaps having interacted only with the latest installment and sparingly engaging in it alongside other hobbies. And every other level of fandom in between.

While the casual fan can cause problems of their own, they generally do not have a malicious or alternative agenda. They simply don't engage with the object of fandom as much as more dedicated fans. Though those in the more invested circles might believe otherwise, casual fans do make up the majority of fandoms, even if they are not as prevalent or visible in dedicated online spaces.

It can be hard to tell the difference, but the fake fan, phony, larper... whatever you want to call them, are people not in it purely for a love of the thing. They have ulterior motives.

Perhaps they see latching on to a popular franchise as a way to raise their own notoriety. Perhaps they see it as a way to make money. Perhaps they see it as a vehicle for their social or political agendas. Perhaps they are trying to fit in with a certain crowd. In each case, the signs that they are a "larper" will be different, but the common tell is that somehow discussion and engagement with the hobby always somehow leads back to their real motive rather than the hobby.

The person doing it for notoriety will always come back to themselves. Not why they like the thing, but why their engagement with the thing and why their liking it is good for "the community" (another watchword people trying to push agendas often use).

The money crowd is fairly obvious. They will perpetually be focused on profits and resale value. Even if the product is good, they will still be upset if the market value is low.

Those doing it for political or social agendas can often be quite insidious, but somehow they will always find a reason to suggest that the inclusion of their particular perspectives and advocacy in the franchise can only make it better. It needs to be done. Why would you oppose it? Why do you hate good things? Maybe you're the fake fan, and you need to be excluded so we can include more people like me who advocate for good things.

Other common tells include unfamiliarity with the franchise despite constant claims of being an expert and stories of how they liked it since the beginning.

They will also often insist that the latest iteration of the thing, likely the only one they have engaged with because it's the most topical and readily available, is the best. They won't know anything about eariler versions, but will nevertheless insist that they are bad, and you are just blinded by nostalgia for liking them. All conversation must be focused on the new thing, because it is the only one they can talk about without immediately being exposed.

Now, these are just some examples of larper behaviour, not infallible litmus tests. Genuine fans may also engage in some of these behaviours yet still have a sincere love of a property or hobby. I would advise caution before you go throwing accusations of "larping" at everyone.

Again, it can be hard to tell the difference between a new or casual fan and a larper, because they share many traits. You do not want to bully and scare off new fans because they may eventually grow into more dedicated, enthusiastic fans that genuinely bring good things to your fandom, where the larper will move to the next big thing when the next fad comes along.

Don't go around labelling people unfairly. Just be cautious and have these considerations in your mind when engaging with supposed fans, so that you can avoid being taken for a ride by larpers and whatever agenda they may be pursuing.

larping is more of a niche (live action role playing) and is the one I use more often