drag slang read shade https://lgbtq-language-project.appspot.com/#shade A slang term referring to a kind of insult, typically non-verbal in nature. Journalist Anna Holmes called shade "the art of the sidelong insult". Merriam-Webster defines it as "subtle, sneering expression of contempt for or disgust with someone—sometimes verbal, and sometimes not". shady thowing shade Transgender slang, slurs, and controversial words