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Adjective

A word used for situations in media- mostly in comics and television- where the concerns, criticisms and arguments of the audience are answered in the text itself to assuage any disbelief and therefore frustration a reader or viewer might possess. By underscoring points of possible contention, usually humorously, the suspension of disbelief is retained.

Often used to account for implausible developments, ridiculous motivations, bizarre twists and illogical situations, a lampshade can also cover obviously cribbed plot elements by having the author acknowledge through a character that "This is just like..."

A lampshade can be used to explain threads that may have lain dormant, and often prods at the fourth wall by having characters address the audience, or realities outside their own existence.

Also known as Spotlighting, sometimes as 'Cousin Larry Trick'. See TVTropes for more information.
GUARD #1: What, ridden on a horse?
ARTHUR: Yes!
GUARD #1: You're using coconuts!
ARTHUR: What?
GUARD #1: You've got two empty halves of coconut and you're bangin' 'em together.
-- Monthy Python and the Holy Grail, to lampshade the fact that production could not afford horses for a medieval movie.

"...If you're wondering how he eats and breathes, and other science facts; Just repeat to yourself it's just a show, you should really just relax..."
--From the theme song to Mystery Science Theater 3000, effectively ironing over the pesky scientific impossibilities.
by MomoiroNoMegane October 08, 2009
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Jun 24 Word of the Day
An exclamation made when your friends or family are teasing you to a point where you can't handle it anymore and a hissy fit is in order.

Derived from a YouTube user's famed outburst following Britney's lackluster performance at the 2007 VMA's.
Sarah: 'OMG Susan, I can't believe you are wearing the same skirt as yesterday. Oh, and by the way, EVERYONE knows what you did with Kevin on the weekend. Plus you look a little fat, are you retaining water?'

Susan: 'LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!'
by Billy Chickenhole September 15, 2007
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2
Wearing an oversized t-shirt and short athletic shorts that are hidden by the shirt. This gives the girl a sillouette similar to that of a lampshade. (Usually worn by college girls, esp. sorority girls)
I wish these girls would actually try to look nice for class; lampshade is not a good look for anyone.
by zdk2013 September 03, 2014
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3
A person who makes you feel less bright (more retarded) when you're around him/her.
Nate: He's a regicidal bigot if I've ever seen one.
John: Stop being a lampshade, you douchebag.
by JohnBoy2 March 25, 2008
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4
A fun thing to put on your head at parties...
Mother: Why is there a lamp shade on your head?
Son: 'Cause I was at a fricken' awesome party!
by Mary Beth30570 May 24, 2008
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5
Makes a great hat. You should try it sometime!
Person 1: Nice hat! Where did you get it?
Person 2: Ummmm... my house?
Person 1: So you made it?
Person 2: IT'S A LAMPSHADE YOU IDIOT
by nobodycantellhehehe January 10, 2021
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6
Slang for a drug/ mental depressant in liquid form. Like codeine mixed with dirty sprite. Makes you feel numb or DIM... Kinda like a lampshade would do!
Me: Retchy brought the Lampshade.
You: Double cup, pour me up! I'm trying to get faded.
by Liz Khalifa July 29, 2013
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