“Lowkey” is a widely used social media term or slang that has a meaning opposite to that of “Highkey”. Since it is the opposite of the word highkey, its meaning is exactly the opposite of that, Lowkey is used when someone is calm about expressing something. If a person explains something or someone without emphasizing it a lot, then this social media term can be used.
It can be used over texts, in comments and even in posts on social media. The whole point of using lowkey is to remain “Low key” and not bother much about what is being spoken about. It clearly shows how something is tried to be kept low without pressing more on it. Whenever you are listening to a piece of music that is appreciated by very few or known by a few people, you can say it lowkey a great song. This could also be applied to hidden spots and gems.
This term can used as an adjective and as an adverb. The description of this and usage have been described in the following examples.
As an adjective
Something that is not intense, prominent or obvious is expressed by using this social media term. It is like something is a quality of someone but they don’t make a big fuss about it. For example, “He is lowkey a physics expert.” Here it is used to express how the said person is a physics expert but doesn’t try to show it off or make a big deal about it.
“They are lowkey the best band in America.” This way, low-key is used to express that a band is famous and one of the best in America without trying to make it seem too intense.
“Barack Obama has been one of the best Presidents of the USA.” Here a person is being praised without making it seem too obvious.
As an Adverb
It can be used as an adverb where it means being expressed subtly, quietly or in a restrained manner. If something needs to be explained in a subtle manner, then lowkey can be used. for example, “I lowkey like the Fantastic Beasts movie series.” This is silent for “I like Fantastic Beasts movies but I am not going to make a big deal out of it.”
“I know you lowkey like psycho-thriller movies but you don’t like making it obvious.” Here the person is trying to say how someone likes certain kinds of movies but is subtle about it.
“I lowkey think that she is jealous of you.” Here the person is trying to explain how someone has certain feelings in a restrained manner.
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