Derived from the Latin phrase Homo ludens (playful man), the term refers to the play impulse as a motive for the appeal of stories of various kinds, including myths and legends. Apart from any latent significance, they are simply fun to tell and to hear. For contrast, see "affectance motivation."

characterized by playfulness.

Ludic (adjective) means literally 'playful', and refers to any philosophy where play is the prime purpose of life. Ludic derives from the Latin and connotes anything that is "fun".