Lampshading: What It Is and How to Use It Effectively

“I know this seems like a huge coincidence, but just go with it, okay?”

Sound familiar? If you’ve watched modern TV shows or read contemporary novels, you’ve probably encountered this kind of line. This is lampshading—a writing trick where authors deliberately point out potential problems in their stories before readers can.

What is Lampshading?

Lampshading is when a writer calls attention to an unrealistic or questionable part of the story rather than trying to hide it. This could be a plot hole, a coincidence, a cliché, or any element that might strain believability.

It comes from the old joke about placing a lampshade over something obvious to make it less noticeable.

The goal is to make the audience aware of the issue so they are less likely to criticize it. It is often used in stories where suspension of disbelief is already stretched.

How It Works

Imagine a superhero movie where the main character wears glasses as their only disguise. Another character might joke, “Wow, glasses really do make you unrecognizable!” This moment acknowledges the issue while allowing the story to move forward.

Examples of Lampshading

Lampshading appears in many books, movies, and TV shows. Here are some well-known examples:

Movies & TV Shows

• “It’s almost like the studio couldn’t afford another X-Man.” (In Deadpool, the titular character often points out movie tropes and budget limitations.)
• “This is the episode where we all learn a valuable lesson.” (In Community, Abed often points out when events follow TV formulas.)
• “Wow, it’s almost like cartoon physics saved you!” (In The Simpsons, characters often comment on the show’s plot holes.)
• “What’s your superpower again? Oh right, money.” (In many Batman stories, heroes and villains alike often comment on his unrealistic ability to defeat superpowered enemies despite being just a human. )

Books

• “The ships hung in the sky in much the same way that bricks don’t.” (In The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams lampshades the impossible physics.)
• “If you’re looking for a happy ending, you won’t find one here.” (In A Series of Unfortunate Events, Lemony Snicket frequently comments on the dark and unlikely nature of the story.)
• “‘How convenient,’ she said, too tired to worry about another stunning coincidence.” (From John Green’s Paper Towns)
• In The Princess Bride, Goldman frames the story as him abridging a classic story. This lets him poke fun at common tropes happening within. For example, when Buttercup is kidnapped, he comments on how cliché the situation is but invites you to enjoy it anyway.

Video Games

• In The Last of Us, Ellie comments on how convenient it is that they keep finding ladders exactly when needed—a nod to the game’s puzzle mechanics.
• In The Stanley Parable, the narrator comments on gaming conventions and player choices throughout the game.
• In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a character jokes about how Link can carry hundreds of items without any visible bags.
• In Portal 2, the game directly tells players that certain mechanics exist purely to move the plot forward.

Why Do Writers Use Lampshading?

Writers use lampshading for different reasons, but the main one is to keep the audience engaged. When a story has an unrealistic moment, ignoring it can break immersion. By acknowledging it, you assure readers that you are aware of the issue, making it easier for them to go along with it.

Other reasons include:

• Embracing tropes—Some genres rely on common storytelling patterns, and lampshading helps them feel fresh. It shows you’re using it deliberately, not out of laziness.
• Adding humor—Pointing out absurdities can make a scene funnier.
• Acknowledging flaws—Instead of rewriting a scene, a writer might use lampshading to smooth over weak spots.

But it can also create issues in your writing:

• Can feel lazy—Overusing it makes your story feel unpolished.
• Doesn’t fix real problems —Lampshading only points out flaws; it doesn’t resolve them. Some issues may be too big to simply acknowledge and move on.
• Not suited for all genres—Lampshading can break immersion and weaken the impact of stories that rely on deep immersion.

How to Use Lampshading Effectively

If you want to use lampshading in your writing, use it wisely. Here are some tips to do it right:

Use It Sparingly

Lampshading works best when used in small doses. If every unrealistic moment is lampshaded, readers will notice and feel like you aren’t taking the story seriously.

Find the Right Moment

Lampshading works best at low-tension moments. Don’t interrupt an emotional scene to acknowledge a plot convenience.

Match the Tone of Your Story

A comedy or satire can handle frequent lampshading, but a dark thriller or historical drama probably can’t. Make sure the technique fits the style and mood of your story.

Choose the Right Character

Use a character who would naturally comment on oddities. Often this is the skeptic or the “outsider” character.

Keep It Brief

A quick line or short exchange works better than a long discussion. Acknowledge the issue with humor or matter-of-factness.

Make It Serve the Story

Good lampshading reveals character, advances plot, or adds meaningful humor.

Be Clever, Not Lazy

Lampshading shouldn’t be an excuse to leave plot holes or bad writing unfixed. If a scene doesn’t work, consider rewriting it before resorting to lampshading.

Know Your Audience

Some readers love self-aware storytelling, while others prefer full immersion. If your audience enjoys witty, meta-fictional humor, lampshading might be a great tool. If they prefer deep, immersive worlds, it might break their experience.

Conclusion

Lampshading can be a powerful way to keep readers engaged and acknowledge storytelling quirks. But like any writing technique, it needs to be used with care.

Done well, it can make your story feel clever and entertaining. When overused, it can weaken your writing. So, next time you find yourself questioning a plot twist or a cliché in your own story, ask yourself: Should I lampshade it or fix it?

Do you use lampshading in your stories? Share your thoughts below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

• Obligatory Scenes and Their Place in Storytelling
• Chekhov’s Gun: The Art of Foreshadowing
• Plot Armor: What It Is and How to Believably Protect Your Characters