National Throw Some Shade Day

A young woman wearing oversized sunglasses, sitting at a cafe outdoor, elegantly throwing shade with a sassy smirk on her face.. — National throw some shade day illustration

Hey there, shade throwers! Get ready to channel your inner diva because National Throw Some Shade Day is here to help you unleash your sassy side. Whether you want to add a touch of drama to your conversations or playfully tease your loved ones, this day is all about embracing the art of throwing shade. So grab your sunglasses and get ready for a lighthearted celebration!

When is Throw Some Shade Day?

It's national throw some shade day on the 31st August.

The Internet History of National Throw Some Shade Day

If you've ever spent time on social media, chances are you've come across a few instances of people throwing shade. This unique form of expression has its roots in African American and LGBTQ+ communities, where it was used as a way to cleverly insult or criticize someone without being too direct. Over time, throwing shade has become a popular internet trend, allowing people from all walks of life to add a touch of sass to their conversations.

The origins of National Throw Some Shade Day can be traced back to August 31, 2015, which saw the highest number of mentions online. It quickly gained momentum, capturing the attention of shade enthusiasts around the world. As the day gained recognition, people began sharing hilarious memes, clever comebacks, and witty one-liners under the hashtag #ThrowSomeShadeDay.

While National Throw Some Shade Day doesn't have an official founder, it's a day that truly encapsulates the spirit of the internet. It's a reminder that laughter is the best medicine and a little friendly banter never hurt anyone. So why not take this day as an opportunity to celebrate the power of wit, sarcasm, and humor?

History behind the term 'Throw Some Shade'

1980s

Emergence of the term

The term 'throw some shade' originated in African-American and LGBTQ+ communities in the 1980s. It was used as a slang expression to describe the act of making subtle insults or casting disapproving glances towards someone. This term became popular among these communities as a way to express their criticism or dissatisfaction with others in a subtle and sassy manner.

1917

The Start of the Shadow

The term 'throw some shade' originates from African American slang in the early 20th century. The word 'shade' itself dates back to at least 1917, meaning an insult or criticism. It was commonly used in African American communities as a way to mock or criticize someone in a subtle or indirect manner.

1983

Emergence of the term 'shade'

The term 'shade' originated in African-American and LGBTQ+ communities as a way to describe subtly insulting or disrespectful remarks. It was commonly used in the 1980s to describe the act of throwing verbal jabs at someone.

1980s

Emergence in African-American LGBTQ+ communities

During the 1980s, the term 'throwing shade' emerged in African-American LGBTQ+ communities as a way to describe the act of criticizing or insulting someone indirectly. It was often used as a form of humor and social commentary within these communities, finding its roots in the vibrant ball culture of the time.

2009

Origins in African-American Vernacular

The term 'throwing shade' originated in African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) as a way to describe the act of subtly insulting or criticizing someone. It was commonly used within the LGBTQ+ community and gained popularity in the ballroom culture during the 1980s, where contestants competed in various categories including 'reading' and 'throwing shade.' The term's usage continued to evolve and spread beyond this specific community in the following years.

1983

The emergence of 'shade' in black gay culture

The term 'shade' first began to gain popularity in the black gay culture in the 1980s. It originated from the African American and Latino drag ballroom scene, where contestants competed in categories such as voguing and throwing 'shade' at each other. 'Shade' was used to describe a sly insult, a way to subtly criticize or mock someone without being overtly confrontational.

1980s

The birth of 'throwing shade'

In the 1980s, the LGBTQ+ community in New York City's drag houses popularized the phrase 'throwing shade.' It referred to the act of making subtle yet cutting insults or criticisms. The term derived from the extravagant performances and fierce competitions within these drag houses that often involved sassy comments and verbal jabs meant to undermine or challenge opponents.

1988

Emergence of the term 'throw shade'

In 1988, the term 'throw shade' emerged in African-American and LGBTQ+ communities. Originally, it referred to the act of casting suspicion or doubt on someone, often through subtle insults or gestures. This slang term gained popularity in ballroom culture, where participants would use it to describe the competitive and sometimes shady behavior during drag and dance competitions.

1980s

Emergence in African American Vernacular English

The term 'throw some shade' first emerged in the 1980s within the African American LGBTQ+ community as a slang expression. It originated as a way to describe the act of subtly insulting or criticizing someone indirectly. 'Throw' in this context means to express or direct, and 'shade' refers to the act of throwing shadows or making subtle jabs at someone.

1928

The emergence of 'shade'

In 1928, 'shade' began to be used in African American slang, particularly in the ballroom culture of Harlem, New York. It referred to a subtle way of insulting or criticizing someone with a clever remark or gesture. This form of non-verbal communication allowed individuals to express disapproval or attitude without directly confronting the target. 'Throwing shade' soon became a popular phrase used within the African American community.

1990

Popularity of 'shade' spreads through LGBTQ+ communities

During the 1990s, the term 'shade' started to spread beyond the drag ballroom scene and became more widely adopted in LGBTQ+ communities. It became a signal of wit and sarcasm, used as a means of playful banter and teasing between friends. 'Throwing shade' became an art form, enhancing the verbal skills of individuals to outwit and outsmart their opponents with clever insults and comebacks.

1980s

Shade as a Verb

In the 1980s, the term 'shade' expanded its meaning and became a verb. Instead of simply stating an insult, people started using 'throw shade' to describe the act of purposely criticizing or disrespecting someone, often with a touch of humor or sarcasm. This added a layer of nuance to the term, emphasizing the intention behind the insult.

1990s

Popularization in drag culture

In the 1990s, 'throwing shade' gained significant popularity within drag culture. Drag queens, known for their quick wit and sharp tongues, embraced 'throwing shade' as a way to engage in playful banter and clever insults during performances. The term became a powerful tool for drag performers to showcase their humor and create entertaining moments on stage.

1990

Expansion of 'shade' into 'throwing shade'

In the early 1990s, the term 'throwing shade' gained popularity, extending the concept of 'shade' by emphasizing the intentional and deliberate nature of such insults. 'Throwing shade' refers to the act of intentionally making others feel bad through subtle insults, sarcasm, or condescending comments.

1990s

Popularity through ball culture

The term gained wider popularity in the 1990s through the ball culture, which is an underground LGBTQ+ subculture that includes competitions known as drag balls. 'Throwing shade' became a common phrase among performers and spectators in the ballroom scene, where contestants would compete in various categories and engage in playful banter, often involving clever insults or subtle condescension.

2010

Emergence in Mainstream Pop Culture

In 2010, the term 'throwing shade' made its way into mainstream pop culture when it was prominently featured in the critically acclaimed documentary 'Paris is Burning.' The film highlighted the ballroom culture and the African-American and Latino LGBTQ+ communities in New York City during the 1980s. Through this documentary, a wider audience became familiar with the term and its significance in these communities.

1990s

Mainstream exposure

During the 1990s, the term 'throwing shade' started to gain wider recognition and became associated with the ball culture, predominantly depicted in the documentary film 'Paris Is Burning.' This film shed light on the African-American and Latinx LGBTQ+ communities involved in ballroom culture and their use of clever insults, including 'throwing shade,' as a form of expression.

1990s

Mainstream popularity through drag culture

In the 1990s, 'throwing shade' began to gain mainstream recognition and popularity within drag culture. Drag queens often used it as a way to challenge and undermine one another in a playful and witty manner during performances. The creative and theatrical nature of the term resonated with audiences, leading to its gradual adoption by the wider public.

1980s

The evolution of 'throwing shade'

In the 1980s, 'throwing shade' started to gain traction in the mainstream gay community, particularly in drag culture. Drag queens, known for their sharp wit and quick comebacks, used the term to describe the act of deliberately throwing insults or criticism towards others with style and finesse. The phrase became synonymous with the art of reading or engaging in witty banter.

1990

The term 'throw shade' in the media

By the early 1990s, the term 'throw shade' began to permeate mainstream media. It was frequently used in African-American vernacular and popularized through movies, music, and television shows. The term's connotation evolved to encompass a wider range of passive-aggressive behavior, encompassing both verbal and non-verbal acts of subtle insult and disrespect.

2009

'Throwing shade' in mainstream media

The term 'throwing shade' gained further traction in mainstream media in 2009, with the release of the documentary film 'Paris Is Burning.' This documentary highlighted the underground culture of voguing, where shade-throwing was a significant aspect of the ballroom scene. As a result, 'throwing shade' became more widely recognized and understood.

2000s

Mainstream media adoption

During the 2000s, 'throwing shade' started seeping into mainstream media and popular culture. Celebrities and reality TV shows played a significant role in popularizing the term. It became increasingly common to hear references to 'throwing shade' in interviews, talk shows, and social media. As a result, the term gained broader recognition and usage outside of its original communities.

2009

Mainstream exposure through popular culture

In 2009, the term 'throwing shade' received a significant boost in popularity when it was featured on the reality competition show 'RuPaul's Drag Race.' The show's host, RuPaul, used the term frequently, introducing it to a wider audience. From this point forward, 'throwing shade' became a well-known phrase associated with delivering clever and cutting remarks.

2003

Mainstream exposure in reality television

The term reached mainstream exposure in 2003 with the premiere of the reality television show 'America's Next Top Model.' Contestant Camille McDonald famously used the phrase 'I didn't come here to throw shade, I came here to shine' during an episode, sparking interest and capturing the attention of a wider audience. This marked a pivotal moment for the term's entrance into mainstream vernacular.

2000s

Influence in popular culture and media

The 2000s marked a significant growth in the term's influence on popular culture and media. It started appearing in television shows, movies, and music, further solidifying its place in everyday language. 'Throwing shade' became a trendy phrase, often associated with sassy comebacks, clever insults, and sharp wit.

2009

Broader adoption and spread

In 2009, social media platforms like Twitter and Tumblr played a significant role in spreading the term 'throw shade' to a broader audience. Users embraced the phrase as a way to describe and respond to instances of subtle insult and criticism. Memes and GIFs featuring iconic shade-throwing moments from movies and TV shows gained popularity, further solidifying the term's place in pop culture.

1990s

Pop Culture Influence

During the 1990s, the term 'throw some shade' gained popularity in the ballroom and drag culture. Ballroom competitions were rich with witty banter and competitive insults called 'reading,' and 'throwing shade' became a common phrase to describe this playful, yet often cutting, exchange of words. Pop culture references like the documentary film 'Paris is Burning' helped to further popularize the term.

1990s

The rise of 'throwing shade' in popular culture

During the 1990s, 'throwing shade' made its way into popular culture with the help of the influential documentary film 'Paris Is Burning.' The film showcased the ballroom culture of New York City and introduced the wider world to the concept of 'shade' and 'throwing shade.' This exposure led to the popularization of the term beyond the gay and African American communities.

2000s

Crossing into popular culture

In the 2000s, the term 'throwing shade' began crossing over into popular culture. It appeared in various TV shows, such as 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' further propelling its visibility. With the rise of social media, 'throwing shade' became a popular hashtag and catchphrase, spreading both within and beyond LGBTQ+ communities.

2013

Popularization through Social Media

With the rise of social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, the term 'throwing shade' gained significant traction in 2013. It became a popular phrase used to describe witty comebacks or subtle insults made online. Memes and GIFs featuring iconic moments of shade-throwing from television shows and movies started circulating on the internet, further contributing to the term's popularity.

2010

Pop culture impact

By the early 2010s, 'throwing shade' had become part of everyday vocabulary, thanks to its usage in popular culture. The term was often associated with celebrity feuds, reality TV shows, and social media exchanges. Comedians like RuPaul and Joan Rivers further popularized the phrase through their witty remarks and sharp insults.

2010s

Internet memes and social media

In the 2010s, with the rise of social media and Internet culture, 'throwing shade' became a popular phrase used online. Memes, GIFs, and humorous posts featuring the term spread across various platforms, solidifying its place in contemporary slang. The phrase quickly became a way for people to express their sassy or witty side while playfully critiquing or mocking others in a lighthearted manner.

2015

Recognition in Dictionaries

The term 'throwing shade' achieved mainstream recognition in 2015 when it was added to major dictionaries like the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster. This inclusion solidified its place in the English lexicon and acknowledged its cultural significance. The term's definition was specified as 'to publicly criticize or express contempt for someone in a subtle or indirect manner.'

2010s

Mainstream integration

During the 2010s, 'throwing shade' fully integrated into mainstream culture and language. It became a widely understood colloquialism used to describe any situation where someone makes sarcastic or indirect insults aimed at belittling or mocking someone else. The phrase has been embraced by celebrities and used in popular songs and everyday conversations.

2010s

Rise of 'shade' in mainstream culture

Throughout the 2010s, 'throwing shade' rapidly expanded its reach in mainstream culture. It gained prominence in talk shows, sitcoms, and celebrity interviews, becoming a common phrase used to describe subtle insults or sarcastic remarks. 'Shade' also found its way into social media, where individuals engaged in 'shade-throwing' battles through clever and sarcastic comments.

2010s

Internet memes and viral usage

The rise of internet memes and viral content in the 2010s further propelled the popularity of 'throwing shade'. Memes featuring famous individuals throwing metaphorical shade by using witty captions became widespread on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr. The Internet served as a catalyst for the term's spread, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to participate in and contribute to the culture of 'throwing shade'.

2000s

Internet Spread

With the rise of the internet and social media in the 2000s, 'throw shade' went from being a niche slang term to a widely used phrase. Memes, GIFs, and viral videos contributed to its spread, as people found creative ways to express the act of throwing shade online. It became a part of popular internet culture, transcending its original African American and ballroom roots.

2010s

Mainstream recognition and multiple interpretations

Throughout the 2010s, 'throw shade' continued to gain mainstream recognition. The term spread beyond its original communities and became widely understood as a means of expressing sassy or disrespectful comments, often with a touch of humor. From celebrities and influencers to everyday individuals, 'throwing shade' became a popular cultural phenomenon, leading to its inclusion in dictionaries and language studies.

2009

The digital age brings 'throwing shade' to social media

With the rise of social media platforms like Twitter, 'throwing shade' found a perfect home for its quick and clever insults. The brevity of Twitter's 140-character limit encouraged users to come up with witty and sarcastic remarks, and 'throwing shade' became a common phrase in online conversations, particularly in celebrity feuds and pop culture discussions. The term's usage skyrocketed, further cementing its place in modern vernacular.

2010s

Rise of social media and meme culture

With the rise of social media and meme culture in the 2010s, 'throwing shade' experienced a surge in popularity and usage. Memes and GIFs featuring shady remarks became viral, and platforms like Twitter became breeding grounds for witty and sarcastic banter. The term became deeply ingrained in internet slang, embracing its role as a tool for playful online discourse.

Present

Mainstream Usage

Today, 'throw some shade' has become a mainstream term used in everyday conversation. It is commonly used to describe a situation where someone subtly insults or disapproves of another person, often in a humorous or clever way. The term's journey from African American slang to a recognized part of popular culture showcases the dynamic nature of language and how it evolves over time.

Present

Integration into mainstream vocabulary

Today, 'throwing shade' has been fully integrated into mainstream vocabulary as a colloquial expression to describe subtle insults or criticisms. It has transcended its origins within specific communities and has become widely recognized and understood, even by those unfamiliar with its historical roots. 'Throwing shade' continues to shape conversations, humor, and cultural exchanges in an ever-evolving society.

Present

Enduring Popularity

Today, 'throwing shade' remains a commonly used phrase both in casual conversations and in various forms of media. It has permeated popular culture and is a go-to expression when describing sassy remarks or subtle insults. The term has transcended its origins and has become a part of everyday language for many, showcasing its lasting cultural impact.

2013

Inclusion in dictionaries

In 2013, the term 'throwing shade' was officially recognized when it was added to the Oxford Dictionaries Online, solidifying its place in the English lexicon. This inclusion highlighted the cultural significance and widespread usage of the term in contemporary society.

Present

'Throwing shade' enters mainstream lexicon

Today, 'throwing shade' has become a widely recognized phrase used in various contexts. It has transcended its origins in African American and LGBTQ+ communities to become a part of everyday slang. From playful banter among friends to online debates, 'throwing shade' continues to serve as a way to express subtle disapproval or deliver a biting remark with style and flair.

Present

Continued usage and evolution

Today, 'throwing shade' remains a popular colloquialism and has transcended its original cultural boundaries. It is frequently used in various contexts, from playful banter to social commentary. The term has become more inclusive and is now embraced by a diverse range of communities beyond its initial roots.

Did you know?

Did you know that throwing shade originated in the African American and LGBTQ+ communities as a way to cleverly insult or criticize someone without being too direct?