---
title: "throwing shade · GenZ Decoded"
description: "throwing shade: Throwing shade is often used to describe subtle insults or criticisms, typically indirect. Example: \"She was throwing shade during the..."
url: "https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/throwing-shade/"
lang: "en"
image: "https://genzdecoded.com/og/default.jpg"
---

# throwing shade

Gen Z[#social](https://genzdecoded.com/slang-for/social/)

**Meaning.** Throwing shade is often used to describe subtle insults or criticisms, typically indirect.

See it in a sentence

She was throwing shade during the meeting, so passive-aggressive.

## How each generation says it

The closest equivalent for this idea in every generation.

- Gen Z · this one

    throwing shade,[shade](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/shade/)

- Gen Alpha

    [side-eye](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/side-eye/)

- Millennial

    No word for this one yet.

- Gen X

    No word for this one yet.

- Boomer

    No word for this one yet.

- Plain English

    throwing shade is often used to describe subtle insults or criticisms, typically indirect

// the shop [Shop LOST IN TRANSLATION shirts and hoodies for families who speak two kinds of slang](https://genzdecoded.com/shop/)

## Related slang

- [the man](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/the-man/): Authority figures or the establishment seen as controlling ordinary people.
- [the skinny](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/the-skinny/): Inside information, news, or gossip.
- [tight](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/tight/): Tight is often used to describe a close and solid friendship or relationship.
- [totes](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/totes/): Playful abbreviation of totally, meaning completely or absolutely; now reads dated.

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