The Rice University Neologisms Database

A hair style where the hair is braided in one direction to the back of the head. Etymology: Derived from the popular musician, Sade Adu who always wore her in one way, pulled to the back. As a result of Sade Adu’s (lady who sings “smooth operator”) popularity, her hair style, which was having her hair always pulled to the back, became extremely popular. Even though people pulled their hair to the back on the regular before she gained her popularity, Sade played a vital role in popularizing the hair style. Any kind afair style, be it cornrows braided straight back or unbraided hair combed and pulled to the back is referred to as Sade. Nigerians use sade as either an adjective or noun. One can say “I like your sade” or “Can you do me Sade braids?”