Aave
shade
What does shade mean?
Subtle, pointed disrespect or a sly insult. To "throw shade" is to put someone down without saying anything openly hostile.
"She threw a bit of shade about his "interesting" haircut."
Origin
From Black and Latino LGBTQ+ ballroom culture, documented in the 1990s and later mainstreamed.
Frequently asked questions
What does "shade" mean?
Subtle, pointed disrespect or a sly insult. To "throw shade" is to put someone down without saying anything openly hostile.
How do you use "shade" in a sentence?
For example: "She threw a bit of shade about his "interesting" haircut."
Where does "shade" come from?
From Black and Latino LGBTQ+ ballroom culture, documented in the 1990s and later mainstreamed.
Is "shade" AAVE (African-American Vernacular English)?
Yes — "shade" is classed as AAVE (African-American Vernacular English) on FreeDict. Subtle, pointed disrespect or a sly insult. To "throw shade" is to put someone down without saying anything openly hostile.
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