LogFAQs > #923832686

Today's trope is Lampshade Hanging. Here is the link: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/LampshadeHanging

Lampshade Hanging (or, more informally, "Lampshading") is the writers' trick of dealing with any element of the story that threatens the audience's Willing Suspension of Disbelief, whether a very implausible plot development, or a particularly blatant use of a trope, by calling attention to it and simply moving on.

The reason for this counter-intuitive strategy is two-fold. First, it assures the audience that the author is aware of the implausible plot development that just happened, and that they aren't trying to slip something past the audience. Second, it assures the audience that the world of the story is like Real Life: what's implausible for you or me is just as implausible for these characters, and just as likely to provoke an incredulous response.

The creators are using the tactic of self-deprecatingly pointing out their own flaws themselves, thus depriving critics and opponents of their ammunition.

On the other hand, Lampshade Hanging done well can make for an entertaining piece of Medium Awareness or momentary lack of Genre Blindness. It can also be used to take care of Fridge Logic, without having to actually do anything. For this reason, it can either be seen as making a bad movie even worse or as adding clever writing and humour.

TL,DR: Pointing out something within the story, to strengthen the audience's Willing Suspension of Disbelief.

Nominations:
Why does Yzma have that lever? (The Emperor's New Groove)
Fire burning underwater until it's pointed out (Spongebob Squarepants)
"Put that thing away Samurai. We all know what's gonna happen." (Samurai Jack)