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.

Example Sentences

“He has to really stay on the down low, he has to make sure that he blends in,” Ney told the Beast.

From The Daily Beast

“I mainly tell [my family] about art projects and opportunities and keep the modeling on the down low,” Fox told The Daily Beast.

From The Daily Beast

Kelly Rowland: “Kisses Down Low” Kelly Rowland is revealing her inner sexy vixen… and we like it!

From The Daily Beast

The drawings showed the view down low to the ground, where I was—not like the view when I was up on Dad's shoulders.

From The Daily Beast

Really, though, why should anyone be able to guard James down low given that body of his?

From The Daily Beast

The drawing-room was all dark, and the light in the hall was turned down low.

From Project Gutenberg

Without another word, Mrs. Marsden turned the lamp down low, and hurried towards the front hall door.

From Project Gutenberg

The earl's eyebrows creased up over the address; they came down low on the contents.

From Project Gutenberg

Then Johnny saw the man walk to the lamp and turn the light down low, and leave the great big room.

From Project Gutenberg

I proceeded forward to ascertain the position of the leak, and came to the conclusion she was holed down low.

From Project Gutenberg