lampshade

Etymology

lamp + shade. The verb sense comes from the idea of making something more conspicuous by hanging a lampshade on it.

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.

verb

1. (narratology, fandom 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. 21 June 2011, Corinne Gaston, “Adapted comic book flick has the ring, but no power”, in Daily Trojan
   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. 2013, Heide Goody, Iain Grant, How to Write a Collaborative Novel
   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. Apr 30, 2019, Alex Leadbeater, “Did "Marge Be Not Proud" Start The Simpsons' Decline In Season 7?”, in Screen Rant
2. (fashion) 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. September 27, 2017, Sara M Moniuszko, “Lampshading lives on with the 'no pants' trend – The leggy styles, explained”, in USA TODAY
   Kate Moss lampshaded, Bella Hadid lampshaded—hell, nearly every Kardashian took the trend for a spin. August 17, 2018, Lindsey Lanquist, “We're Halfway Through 2018, and Ariana Grande Is Still Lampshading”, in Style Caster
   Lampshading – or, wearing an oversized top with over-the-knee boots – isn't just for Ariana Grande. December 8, 2018, Courteney Larocca, “Lampshading: Olivia Culpo & More Stars Who Nailed Ariana Grande's Hoodie & Thigh-High Boots Look”, in Hollywood Life
   Adding to this, she aces the casual-chic look of oversized sweatshirts and hoodies paired with thigh-high boots, known as lampshading. December 30, 2018, “Ariana Grande's 'lampshading' a major 2018 fashion trend”, in The New Indian Express
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! 1913, Edith Wharton, The Custom of the Country
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. 1975, New York - Volume 8, page 181
   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. 1993, Audur H. Winnan, Wanda Gag, page 8