110 Shady Instagram Captions for Snarky Moods

Have the people in your life spent too long mistaking your kindness for weakness, or are you just ready to let the shady side of you come out to play? This Instagram caption style is a ton of fun, and the good news is that you can write shady Instagram captions for just about any photo. You just have to find the right angle!

Not sure how to get started? We’re here to help you level up your shady game, so dive into our shady captions for Instagram and get ready to make your Insta page drip with snark.

What Are Shady Captions for Instagram?

First things first. Shady Instagram captions are one of the most enjoyable caption styles to dive into on the platform — and it will come naturally to most people if they allow their inner snark to rise to the top.

These captions blend wit and humor with a relentlessly sharp take on the world. They’re unapologetically sarcastic or snarky, but with a playful twist that makes sure everyone’s still having fun.

You can write shady captions for just about any occasion. Although shady Instagram captions for haters are extremely popular for obvious reasons, you can also throw shade at yourself and your fails, your friends, or just the kind of day you’re having.

How to Write Hard-Hitting Shade Captions for Instagram

Are you ready to get a little edgy on Instagram? Shady captions offer one of the best ways to add a touch of snark and mystery to your posts, and here’s how it’s done:

• If you’re anything like most people, simply writing what you actually think and adding a funny twist to it works surprisingly well. Just broke up? Let those feelings out and see how you can make them sound more humorous. The end result is almost guaranteed to be a perfect shady Instagram caption.
• Keep it playful. There are some really mean shady captions out there, and some of them come dangerously close to violating Instagram’s terms of service. You’re trying to make a point, not to bully people.
• Try to condense your snark into as few words as possible, because the shorter your captions are, the more of an impact they can make. Condense your point into a catchy one liner that drips with snark, and you’re good to go.
• Try to leave a little up to the imagination — don’t spell it all out, and at least let your picture do some of the talking.

Remember that your picture determines how well your caption works. Nearly any caption can be interpreted as shady with the right photo. For example, even cheesy lines like “I don’t sweat, I sparkle” are beautifully shady when you post them alongside a gym picture where you’re positively dripping with sweat.

Still need some inspiration? We’ve got your back. Scroll down to get a better feel for the overall vibe of shady Instagram captions. While you’re free to use any caption idea that strikes a chord with you, you’ll be writing your own like a pro in no time!

Shady Instagram Captions for Selfies

1. My sarcasm doesn’t have an off button, but I’m cool with it.
2. Of course I didn’t wake up like this! It took me hours to look this dreadful.
3. Throwing shade like I’m a dark wizard.
4. Throwing shade like I sell sunglasses and you’re my top customer.
5. Selfie game strong, snark game stronger.
6. Can someone help me turn the snark filter off?
7. Sarcasm is my favorite kind of drip.
8. Limited-time offer! Come get your free snarky comments here.
9. Sass is my best accessory. That, and killer heels.
10. I love the sound you make when you tell me I look great.

Shady Instagram Captions for Haters

11. Thanks for reminding me where the block button was!
12. It ain’t my fault that you’re not on my level, but whatever.
13. Fueled by haters and coffee. Mostly coffee, to be honest.
14. Whatever made you think I needed your approval, anyway? Maybe see a therapist about that.
15. And… moving on…
16. Sorry, I only like drama if it’s about eyelashes.
17. Keep hating. It gives me more time to outshine you.
18. What was that? I can’t hear you over the sound of me not caring.
19. Tell me I can’t do it, and I’ll do it twice just to prove a point.
20. Like anyone asked your opinion…

Funny Shady Captions for Instagram

21. Keep calm and throw shade.
22. When life gives you cloudy days, grin because even the weather is throwing shade at your haters.
23. Didn’t your mom warn you to wear sunscreen?
24. Sarcastic by birth. Funny by choice.
25. Found this meme. It reminded me a lot of you.
26. The best things in life are worth waiting for. That’s why I’m always late.
27. Nah, I don’t hold grudges. I just forgot you even existed.
28. Who needs sunglasses when I’m the one throwing shade?
29. My friends are so shady they could protect your eyes from the sun.
30. Oh, this? It’s just my “I’m totally innocent, I swear” face.

Throwing Shade Captions for Instagram for Friends

31. Friends so shady you might as well call them Slim.
32. When the sun gets too hot, come join us here in the shade.
33. Your vibe attracts your tribe, and we’re sitting in the shade.
34. Friends don’t let friends make snarky comments alone.
35. When life gives you shady friends, bring your own shine.
36. Oh, don’t mind those drama queens. They’re just my friends.
37. Chasing sunny days with my shady crew.
38. Sorry, we don’t like the sound that comes out of your mouth when you talk.
39. Yes, that’s cute, but we prefer real friendships.
40. Did you have to train to be that fake, or did it come naturally?

Shady Instagram Captions About Love and Relationships

41. Tempting, but I think I’d rather go clean my elderly neighbor’s garage.
42. I mean, he left the toilet seat up, so he had to go.
43. Be happy. It will drive your ex crazy.
44. I’d rather chew on my cat’s treats than go on a date with you, but thanks for the offer.
45. Sorry, but I’m simply not that stupid.
46. You’re so fake you make Astroturf look real.
47. Treating myself to a “without you” day. Best time ever!
48. I’m so over you that I’m practically floating above the clouds.
49. Sorry, the dog didn’t like you.
50. Love is blind, but I got myself vision-correction glasses, so bye.

Shady Captions for Instagram About Fitness

51. On Wednesdays, we skip leg day.
52. I broke up with my gym. We simply didn’t work out.
53. I can lift weights and throw shade at the same time. What’s your superpower?
54. Well, I guess running out of excuses is still better than not running at all.
55. “Do you even lift, bro?” Yes, I lift nachos out of my bowl, all the way to my mouth.
56. Go big or go home? Home it is.
57. Sorry, I’m too busy exercising my sarcasm muscles.
58. I didn’t slip off the treadmill. I was just trying to walk backward.
59. No shade, no gain.
60. I don’t sweat. I sparkle!

Shady Instagram Captions About Work

61. I’ve always wanted to listen to people complain all day. It’s a dream come true!
62. Sure, you can have the donuts I put in the office fridge. I bought them just for you. That’s why I wrote my name on them.
63. No, Monday, you’ll never defeat me!
64. Sure, talk to me before I’ve had my coffee. I love it.
65. Sorry, I don’t speak “office politics.” Wanna try English?
66. Hustle until that annoying coworker from the fifth floor begs you for a promotion.
67. Corporate ladder? No thanks. I’ll take the elevator.
68. Oh, you’re still trying to be helpful? Why, thanks!
69. I think “work hard” was supposed to come before “play hard,” but what do I know?
70. Monday is my favorite day of the week.

Shade Captions for Instagram About Travel

71. I’m not sarcastic, I swear. It’s just the jet lag talking.
72. I’m not lost. I’m just taking the scenic route, and I happen to not know where I am right now.
73. Oh, sorry, I didn’t realize you thought I asked you for a downgrade instead of an upgrade.
74. What was that? I couldn’t quite hear you over the roaring sound of getting the hell out of here.
75. Sunglasses, shade, passport, money. I’ve got everything I need.
76. Not every paradise is tropical. In fact, just being where you’re not is paradise.
77. Goodbye, drama. Hello, world!
78. Oh, me? I’m just on my way to “DGAF” land, and I don’t have time to read your DMs.
79. Map in one hand, snarky comments in the other.
80. Zen is just a flight to wherever you’re not away from here.

Snarky Quotes for Shady Instagram Captions

81. “Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until they speak.” — Steven Wright
82. “Have no fear of perfection — you’ll never reach it.” — Salvador Dalí
83. “If you’re too open-minded, your brains will fall out.” — Lawrence Ferlinghetti
84. “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.” — Elbert Hubbard
85. “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.” — Oscar Wilde
86. “Sometimes I need what only you can provide: your absence.” — Ashleigh Brilliant
87. “People say money is not the key to happiness, but I have always figured if you have enough money, you can have a key made.” — Joan Rivers
88. “This is what happened in love. One of you cried a lot, and then both of you grew sarcastic.” — Lorrie Moore
89. “Some people carry their life in a glass of water and splash it on everyone they meet.” ― Robert Lane
90. “Just because I don’t care doesn’t mean I don’t understand.” — Homer Simpson

Short Shady Instagram Captions

91. A sass a day keeps the haters away.
92. Fashion tip: Try a filter. It’ll be your best accessory.
93. Relationship status: Married to sarcasm.
94. Play with fire and you’ll get burned.
95. I speak sarcasm in nine languages.
96. Thank you, come again.
97. Got 99 problems, but sarcasm ain’t one of them.
98. Warning. Your fake is hanging out.
99. Snark isn’t the answer. It’s the question, and the answer is yes.
100. Bless your heart.

Creative Writing Prompts Shady Instagram Captions

With that crash course in shady Instagram captions out of the way, you’re now ready to take things to the next level and write your own hard-hitting, snarky captions! If you still feel like a sarcastic baby bird whose feathers aren’t quite strong enough yet, these creative prompts will give you just the nudge you need.

These prompts speak for themselves, really. Pick a sentence and make it your own.

101. Where I come from, throwing shade is…
102. So shady you better get ready to…
103. I have a black belt in sarcasm, and I’m ready to…
104. If they gave out awards for throwing shade, I’d be…
105. Throwing shade isn’t just a phase, it’s a…
106. Sorry, I’m too busy… to give a d*mn.
107. Eyes rolling so hard they might as well…
108. I’m the CEO of Throwing Shade, and…
109. Shady with a twist of…
110. If you can’t handle the shade, don’t…

FAQ About Shady Instagram Captions

How long should my shady Instagram captions be?

Simply said, keep them short. It confuses people. (Also, nobody likes reading giant walls of text.)

Should I add any emojis to my shady captions for Instagram?

Yes. Emojis play a critical role in getting your overall vibe across, and some of the best ones include 😎, 💅, 🔥, 💁, 🙄, and 🤔.

Can you recommend some great hashtags for shade captions for Instagram?

Of course! Hashtags add an extra touch of shade to your posts, and some of our favorites are #shadyaf, #sassqueen, #sarcasmatitsfinets, #wittyremarks, #sassyandclassy, #shadegamestrong, #snarkyselfie, and #snarklife.

As you can see, all of these hashtags make it extra clear that you’re being shady — which comes in handy for those of your followers who might not otherwise understand your tone!