On the down-low, or on the DL, refers to information that’s kept quiet or under wraps. It emerges in Black slang by the 1990s. Both down and low underscore the slang’s sense of “quiet” and “hushed.” Since at least the early 2000s, down-low refers to men who secretly have sex (on the down low) with other men.
What does it mean to go down-low?
Down-low (also “on the down low” or “on the DL”) may refer to any activity or relationship kept discreet. It may refer to: Down-low (sexual slang), Black men who identify as heterosexual but secretly have sex with other men.
Is it low down or down-low?
We typically hyphenate compound words used as adjectives, so that’s how we’d use “low-down.” As an adjective, “low-down” is usually used metaphorically to refer to the nasty or base nature of something — like a low-down, dirty cheat.
Where does down-low Come From?
The Down low or DL is a slang term that originated in the 1990s in the African American community that is used to describe information or activities that should be kept secret (CDC n.d.).
What does DL mean in text?
According to Urban Dictionary, the abbreviation DL stands for down low. This is a shorthand term used in text messaging when something is to be kept a secret. The meaning of the DL is to keep a secret – if someone told you something and told you to keep it on the DL, this means not to tell anyone.
What does low of a person mean?
The definition of low is something with little height, emotionally depressed, below the surface level, quiet or deep in pitch. An example of low is fog resting on the ground. An example of low is someone feeling sad.
What Is A Low Down Dirty person?
1 : contemptible, base a low-down dirty liar. 2 : deeply emotional low-down blues. Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing lowdown Learn More About lowdown.
What does low down and dirty mean?
adjective. If you describe a person or their behavior as down-and-dirty, you mean that they behave in an unfair or dishonest way in order to gain an advantage.
What does we can keep it on the low mean?
keep it on the ˈdown-low
(American English, slang) keep something secret; not tell other people about something: Her parents wouldn’t approve of our relationship so we keep it on the down-low. See also: keep, on.
