According to E. Patrick Johnson, to throw shade is to ignore someone: "If a shade thrower wishes to acknowledge the presence of the third party, he or she might roll his or her eyes and neck while …

Shade is a subtle, sneering expression of contempt for or disgust with someone—sometimes verbal, and sometimes not. It appears in the phrase to throw shade, as in "The Sunday Stylers are the last …

“Throwing shade” is what we consider a colloquial expression or an idiom in English. It’s used to describe the act of making a subtle criticism towards someone else, whether that’s in person or online.

Aug 30, 2025 · At its core, throwing shade means delivering a subtle insult, dig, or criticism – without saying something outright. Unlike confrontation, shade is clever, witty, and often laced with humor.

Feb 5, 2025 · What does the phrase “throwing shade” mean? The phrase “throwing shade” refers to publicly, but indirectly, criticizing or expressing contempt for a person, which results in publicly …

Apr 6, 2018 · What does throwing shade mean? Throwing shade is a subtle way of disrespecting or ridiculing someone verbally or nonverbally.

Aug 3, 2025 · What does “throwing shade” mean? It means making a subtle or indirect insult, usually delivered with wit, charm, and sometimes sarcasm, often without directly naming someone.

THROW SHADE definition: 1. to criticize someone or something publicly and show that you do not respect them: 2. to…. Learn more.

Mar 14, 2025 · The modern idiom “throw shade” originated in the 1980s within the Black and Latino LGBTQ+ ballroom scene in New York City. In this subculture, “shade” referred to subtle, indirect …

Nov 20, 2025 · What Does “Throwing Shade” Mean in Slang? In slang, “throwing shade” means to insult, criticize, or mock someone indirectly — usually in a clever, stylish, or humorous way.