lampshade

noun

1. 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.”

verb

1. (slang)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.”

   “Just as the push by writers in season 4 to make Homer stupider (a trend so established it was lampshaded in "The 138th Episode Spectacular") created some of the best episodes before eventually birthing an unlikable buffoon unaffectionately called "Jerkass Homer", so too is it less the episode itself as much as what it represented.”

2. 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.”

   “Adding to this, she aces the casual-chic look of oversized sweatshirts and hoodies paired with thigh-high boots, known as lampshading.”

3. To adorn with one or more lampshades.

   “Her hotel sitting-room had, as usual, been flowered, cushioned and lampshaded into a delusive semblance of stability; and she had really felt, for the last few weeks, that the life she was leading there must be going to last — it seemed so perfect an answer to all her wants!”

4. 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.”