The expressions "throw shade", "throwing shade", or simply "shade", are slang terms for a certain type of insult, often nonverbal. Journalist Anna Holmes called shade "the art of the sidelong insult".

What does shade mean in slang?

Shade is a subtle, sneering expression of contempt for or disgust with someone—sometimes verbal, and sometimes not.

What does it mean to shade a person?

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