lampshade

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A cover over a lamp to either diffuse the light or to block it in certain directions to…

   A cover over a lamp to either diffuse the light or to block it in certain directions to avoid glare in the eyes.

   • It was all very well, this Bohemianism of red lamp-shades and cigarettes, but in the cold grey light that filtered through Partridge's grimy windows it did not show to any great advantage.
   • The hanging-bowl lampshade in marbled glass was two decades pre-war – the kind that marked out aged people.
2. 2

   To intentionally call attention to the improbable, incongruent, or clichéd nature of an…

   To intentionally call attention to the improbable, incongruent, or clichéd nature of an element or situation featured in a work of fiction within the work itself.

   • Only one short bit of humor is endearing, lampshading the ridiculousness of an eye-mask being able to conceal a superhero's identity.
   • Rewriting a whole character is one heck of a chore but the editor/writer must either bite the bullet or indulge in some clever trickery like lampshading.
3. 3

   To wear an oversize top with skintight thigh-high boots and no leggings.

   • Pants. Who needs them? Definitely not celebrities sporting the lampshading or "no pants" trend this summer.
   • Kate Moss lampshaded, Bella Hadid lampshaded—hell, nearly every Kardashian took the trend for a spin.
   • Lampshading – or, wearing an oversized top with over-the-knee boots – isn't just for Ariana Grande.
4. ›+ 2 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To adorn with one or more lampshades.

   2. 5

      To design or create lampshades.

      • Ruth Vitow (160 East 56th Street, 355-6881) has been the doyenne of lampshading for 30 years. She makes up designs in all categories, and her own custom lamps of Lucite and wood.
      • Finally she took a job decorating lampshades. Lampshading, as she called it, left her drained and without impetus or inspiration to draw, which always made her unhappy.

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