lowkey
/ˌləʊˈkiː/ IELTSAcademic
adverb
In informal speech, used to mean slightly, secretly, or not very openly. It can also soften what you say, making it sound less strong.
- I'm lowkey excited about the trip.
- She's lowkey annoyed with him.
- That movie was lowkey funny.
adjective
Informal. Describes something quiet, calm, or not attention-seeking. It often shows a simple, relaxed style.
- We had a lowkey dinner at home.
- They wanted a lowkey wedding.
- He likes a lowkey weekend.
Adinary Nuance
Lowkey is more casual and modern than words like "slightly" or "somewhat." It often adds a feeling of secrecy, softness, or playful honesty. People use it in speech and texting, but it can sound too informal in business writing. It is not the same as "quiet" every time; it often means "not openly" or "kind of."
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- hơi hơi
- Spanish
- un poco
- Chinese
- 有点儿
- Japanese
- ちょっと
- Korean
- 좀
Etymology
Lowkey comes from the phrase "low key," first used in music and photography for quiet or less intense settings. In modern English, it became popular in informal speech and online writing.
Common phrases
lowkey obsessedlowkey tiredlowkey excitedlowkey vibe
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is lowkey formal or informal?
- It is informal. Use it in conversation, texting, or social media, not formal writing.
- What is the difference between lowkey and slightly?
- Lowkey is more casual and emotional. Slightly is more neutral and fits formal contexts better.
- Can lowkey be used as an adjective?
- Yes. It can describe a calm, simple, or not flashy thing or event.
- Is lowkey common in British and Indian English?
- Yes, especially in informal online speech. It is now widely understood by many English speakers.