What Does Shading Someone Mean?

Update: This word was added in February 2017.
Shade is a subtle, sneering expression of contempt for or disgust with someone—sometimes verbal, and sometimes not.

What does shading mean in slang?

Throwing shade is a subtle way of disrespecting or ridiculing someone verbally or nonverbally.

How do you shade someone?

  1. Be very casual. ...
  2. Make sure the eyelids are in FULL EFFECT! ...
  3. Stiffen the neck. ...
  4. MAKE A POWERFUL DEMAND. ...
  5. Awkwardly laugh just enough to let the recipient of the shade know that ABSOLUTELY nothing is funny. ...
  6. ASK FOR EVIDENCE. ...
  7. A NECK ROOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLL or two goes a long way. ...
  8. Sunglasses and PURSE THEM LIPS!
James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.