- To subtly or indirectly express contempt, criticism, or disapproval of someone.
- It's often done with sarcastic remarks, backhanded compliments, or pointed non-verbal cues (like side-eye).
Explanation
Origin
- Popularized by the Black and Latino LGBTQ+ ballroom culture, as documented in the 1990 film Paris Is Burning.
- In this context, shade is an art form of indirect insult. As explained by Dorian Corey in the film: Shade is, I don't tell you you're ugly, but I don't have to tell you because you know you're ugly. And that's shade.
- It entered mainstream slang largely through reality TV shows (like RuPaul's Drag Race) and internet culture in the 2010s.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Dissing (Direct insult, less subtle than shade)
- Putting someone on blast (Publicly calling someone out, opposite of subtle shade)
- Being petty (Focusing on minor issues to annoy someone, can involve shade)
Milder/Standard:
- Being critical
- Making pointed remarks
- Implying criticism
- Being passive-aggressive
More Formal:
- Casting aspersions
- Making insinuations
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Common in social settings, discussions about social dynamics, pop culture commentary.
- Avoid using the term (or the action!) in formal professional settings. While passive-aggression exists professionally, calling it throwing shade is too informal.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might take throwing shade literally (related to light/shadows).
- The subtlety can be missed; what one person perceives as shade, another might see as an innocent comment. The intent vs. perception is key.
Examples
- Did you hear her comment about his outfit? She was totally throwing shade.
- He didn't say anything negative, but his tone was pure shade.
- Stop throwing shade and just say what you mean.
Dialogue
Maya: Did you hear what Liam said about 'some people' not pulling their weight on the project?
Chloe: Oh yeah. He didn't name names, but he was definitely throwing shade at Mark.
Maya: Totally. The side-eye he gave him afterwards confirmed it.
Chloe: So passive-aggressive.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: The way my coworker complimented my 'interesting' presentation idea... pretty sure that was shade. 👀 #worklife #shade
- YouTube Comment: OMG, the interviewer was throwing shade the entire time! Did you see those facial expressions? 😂
- Instagram Story Text: Not @ [Brand Name] throwing shade at their competitors in their latest ad! 🍿
Response Patterns
- Acknowledgment/Agreement: Oh, I caught that too! / Totally shady. / Yeah, that was definitely shade.
- Questioning/Disbelief: Really? You think so? / I didn't pick up on that.
- Ignoring it (if receiving the shade): Pretending not to notice.
- Confronting it (if receiving the shade): Are you trying to say something? / Was that comment directed at me?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After observing someone throwing shade:
- Discuss the target/reason: Who do you think they were aiming that at? / Why are they being so shady?
- Analyze the subtlety: It was so subtle, but the implication was clear.
After being accused of throwing shade:
- Denial: What? No, I wasn't!
- Feigned innocence: I don't know what you're talking about.
- Owning it (rarely direct): Well, if the shoe fits...
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Typically used to comment on an interaction that has just occurred or is being recounted.
Intonation
- Stress usually falls on throwing and shade. THROWING SHADE.
- Often said with a knowing, slightly conspiratorial, or amused tone when pointing it out in others.
- Can be said with annoyance if directed at the person doing it.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used by Millennials and Gen Z.
- Gen X might be familiar, older generations less likely to use the term, though they understand the concept of subtle insults.
Regional Variations
- Originated in American English (specifically AAVE/Ballroom culture) but now understood in many English-speaking regions due to media/internet influence.