The term "RPG" stands for "Role-Playing Game." It's a type of game where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players usually take on various attributes and abilities of their characters, interact with one another, and engage in storytelling either through structured gameplay or improvisation. RPGs can be played in various formats, including tabletop games, live-action role-playing (LARP), and video games.
The term "role-playing game" originated in the 1970s, combining "role," derived from the Old French "rolle" (meaning a list or a character role), and "playing," which comes from the Old English "pleggen" (to engage in activity for amusement).