throw shade

idiomatic phrase

informal
: to publicly express contempt or disrespect for someone or something especially in an indirect or subtle way : criticize
… answered a question to the media that seemed to throw shade at his former teammate … Farbod Esnaashari
… was accused of throwing shade at the singer in a now-deleted TikTok [video]. Leyla Mohammed
When the vendor typed "excuse me," my friend assumed the vendor was throwing major shade his way … Jennifer Silverman
… haters took to the comment section and threw major shade at the star … Julia Teti

Examples of throw shade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
James’ show of support for Lamar comes shortly after Drizzy switched around one of his lyrics at his Wednesday concert in Australia, seemingly to throw shade at the athlete. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 6 Feb. 2025 Toni threw shade at the Memphis native’s physical appearance, likening her to an adolescent while attempting to clown her for her visible fandom. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1993, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of throw shade was in 1993

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Throw shade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throw%20shade. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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