throw shade

v. phr. to take a superior attitude; to criticize, demean, or insult; to diss or derogate. Subjects: Black English, Slang

Editorial Note: This term has is most often associated with Black English, but it is also said to be used among gay and cross-dressing performers and club-goers. Etymological Note: Probably related to shade, v., which means “to defeat, to outdo” and dates to at least as early as 1925 and also to the far more common put in/throw in the shade with the same meaning. A mild form of the term was popularized during the late 1980s and early 1990s when the much-hyped dance and peformance style of “voguing” came to widespread attention.

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Citations: 1989 Dottie Enrico Newsday (Long Island, N.Y.) (May 9) “A Pose For The ‘80s” p. 3: Throwing Shade: Expressing an attitude of contempt for a competitor during a competition by mimicking or gesturing, etc. 1991 Vincent Canby New York Times (Mar. 13) “Aching to Be a Prima Donna, When You’re a Man” p. C13: Associated with “voguing” is “shade,” defined as the “verbal abuse, criticism and humiliation of a rival or competitor.” “Throwing shade” is what they do when they do it. 1993 Kevin Allman Los Angeles Times (Apr. 25) “Dressed to Excess” p. 4: Leave your attitude—and your daylight persona—at home. After all, it’s hard to throw shade when you’re sweating on the dance floor next to someone named Florence N. Normandie. 1995 Rhonda Findling, Hattie Gossett Essence (June 1) “He’s gone: a wise aunt counsels her niece” vol. 26, no. 2, p. 73: It’s possible for someone to be friends with you and your ex without taking sides. Since you are close to Abdoulah’s mother and sisters, don’t assume you must break up with them too. Naturally, you won’t use those friendships to “throw shade” at Abdoulah. 1999 Chelsea J. Carter @ New York City (AP) (Aug. 28) “A Life and Death on NYC Streets”: After pocketing $40, he recalled feeling wealthy—"like Donald Trump.” But he was “throwing shade,” covering the pain. 2001 A.D. Amorosi Philadelphia City Paper (Pa.) (Aug. 9) “Home Invasion”: The cops say I’ve been ID’d as a tall white male with a receding hairline. “Hang on,” I say. “You’re throwing shade?” My vanity’s been struck. Where’s the justice? Where’s the love? 2002 Lynn Breedlove Godspeed (Apr. 10) p. 28: You jerk, you’re blowing it. She’s gonna be pissed and throwing shade if she is there. Scared of that. And you deserve whatever she dishes out, junkie loser. 2002 Rashod D. Ollison Journal News (White Plains, N.Y.) (Aug. 1) “Musicnotes” p. 29G: Despite the hot demand for neo-soul, those who know Rucker as the front man for the rock band Hootie and the Blowfish may “throw shade” at his attempt to show his funky roots. 2003 Hickson Ghetto Heat (Sept.) “Miss Vida Gurrrl” p. 110: Tongue sharp as a blade/Cut ya ass up if you ever throw shade. 2004 Guy LeCharles Gonzalez Loudpoet.com (June 20) “pragmatic idealism”: You might be better off asking for phone numbers than throwing shade. It’ll ultimately be more productive than lying about yourself on Match.com. 2005 Kenneth Winfrey Keithboykin.com (Nov. 14) “Noah’s Arc Butches Up”: Don’t…suggest that all that being “out” is simply about whether or not one is masculine, discreet or attending the balls, hitting the clubs, writing checks, throwing shade, stabbing our supposed friends in the back or sleeping around.

Posted 4 Jan 06 | Permalink | Tell a Friend