down-low

Or down·low

[doun-loh]

adjective

1. of or pertaining to men who secretly or discreetly have sex with other men.

   She once dated a down-low guy.

2. secret; discreet; low-profile.

Word History and Origins

Origin of down-low¹

First recorded in 1990-95; down ¹ ( def. ) + low ¹ ( def. )

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on the down-low,

   1. (of a man) secretly or discreetly engaging in sex with other men.

   2. done secretly or in a discreet manner.

      Okay I'll tell you, but keep it on the down-low.

When To Use

What else does down-low mean?

Content warning: the following content includes references to sexual activity.Something on the down-low is secret or private.Down-low can also specifically refer to Black men who secretly have sex.