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yori | 6 years ago

Yes, I didn't get the usage of the term "LARP" in this context too. It comes off as rude and condescending to both LARPers and email users. I am not sure the term fits appropriately in this context. All LARPers are aware that they are role playing in a game, not the real world, and they do not pretend otherwise.

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Freak_NL|6 years ago

To larp as a verb applied to a discussion that is not about actual LARP activities (the primary sense of this word) carries a strong connotation of rudeness.

Etymologically it probably emerged in the infamous *chan-culture, and is in active use there in the sense of ‘pretend play’ or ‘on-line role-playing’. It can be used to signal, in a derogatory way, that you feel that the other is spinning a yarn or indulging in a fantasy, without declaring the fictive nature of their comments, in order to provoke responses and bait others into participating.

I wouldn't use this word in polite conversation, unless you are actually talking about live action role-playing.

tptacek|6 years ago

I certainly don't intend any offense to LARPers in general, virtually none of whom use encrypted email. Nor, indeed, email users, among whom I count myself! No, I'm pretty specific about where my criticism is aimed.