lampshaded
Called out directly
Lampshaded describes something that has been explicitly acknowledged within a narrative to defuse criticism or disbelief.
When a writer has a character point out an implausible plot point, that contrivance has been lampshaded: The movie lampshaded its own clichés by having the villain mock the hero's predictable escape.
The term comes from the phrase "hanging a lampshade on it"—drawing attention to a problem rather than hiding it.
Common in discussions of fiction, screenwriting, and tropes.
Pointing to oneself
- fourth-wallConceptual stage boundary
- tropeRecurring narrative device
- acknowledgmentConfirmation of receipt
- breakingComing apart suddenly
commentary · postmodern · reflexivity · subtext · narrative · in-joke · wink · nod
Satirical imitation
- jokeHumorous statement seeking laughter
- gagMouth restraint or jest
- quipBrief, clever remark
- jestHumorous remark or act
wink · nudge · comedic · self-deprecating · tongue-in-cheek · punchline · send-up · spoof
Scornful ridicule or travesty
- ridiculeContemptuous mocking treatment
- satireMockery exposing vice
- caricatureExaggerated comic depiction
- derisionContemptuous mockery
skewering · send-up · pointed · barbed · subversive · commentary · deconstruction · exposé
Irony used to mock
- understatementIntentional diminishment for effect
- paradoxSeemingly absurd truth
- contradictionOpposing claims, incompatible together
- incongruityLack of harmony
twist · satire · wit · subversion · deadpan · tongue-in-cheek · knowing · deliberate
self-reference
Pointing to oneself
- fourth-wallConceptual stage boundary
- tropeRecurring narrative device
- acknowledgmentConfirmation of receipt
breaking · commentary · postmodern · reflexivity · subtext · narrative · in-joke · wink · nod · aware
parody
Satirical imitation
jest · wink · nudge · comedic · self-deprecating · tongue-in-cheek · punchline · send-up · spoof · absurdist
mockery
Scornful ridicule or travesty
- ridiculeContemptuous mocking treatment
- satireMockery exposing vice
- caricatureExaggerated comic depiction
derision · skewering · send-up · pointed · barbed · subversive · commentary · deconstruction · exposé
sarcasm
Irony used to mock
- understatementIntentional diminishment for effect
- paradoxSeemingly absurd truth
- contradictionOpposing claims, incompatible together
incongruity · twist · satire · wit · subversion · deadpan · tongue-in-cheek · knowing · deliberate · oxymoron
lampshadedignored
Purposely not noticed
glossed over · hidden · unacknowledged · swept under the rug · overlooked
lampshadeddisguised
Concealed true identity
camouflaged · covered up · whitewashed · obfuscated · deflected
lampshadedhidden
Kept out of sight
concealed · obscured · buried · downplayed · suppressed
- lampshade hatFixture cover worn comedically