Raising What does lowkey mean? "Lowkey" and "highkey," explained
What does lowkey mean? In slang, "lowkey" means a little, quietly, or secretly: "I lowkey like this song" means "I kind of like it, though I'm not saying it loudly." "Highkey" is the opposite: very much, openly. "Low-key" is an old word for restrained, and the slang use grew in the late 2000s and early 2010s. It contains no profanity.
Lowkey at a glance
| Means | "Lowkey" = a little, secretly; "highkey" = very much, openly |
|---|---|
| From | "Low-key" is an older word for restrained; the slang sense grew from the late 2000s to the early 2010s source |
| Tone | Everyday slang; contains no profanity |
Checked October 2026. Slang changes fast; meanings can differ between groups of kids.
What does lowkey mean?
Short answer: A little, or secretly.
- "I'm lowkey tired" means "I'm kind of tired."
- "I lowkey want to go" means "I secretly want to go."
- "Highkey" means the opposite: "I highkey love this" means "I really, openly love this."
Where lowkey comes from
"Low-key" is an older word for restrained or understated; Dictionary.com defines it as "of reduced intensity; restrained; understated" and lists "lowkey" as a spelling. According to Merriam-Webster, the word started in photography, where it meant having dark tones, and the slang use appeared in African American English, especially hip-hop lyrics, in the early 2010s; "highkey" was modeled on it.
Is lowkey a bad word?
Short answer: No. It's everyday slang and contains no profanity.
The habit kids may copy: hiding what you feel
"Lowkey" lets kids say a feeling softly. Sometimes it's a way to not quite say it.
Try tonight: highkey feelings
Play a quick round: each person says one thing they highkey feel today, out loud. In our program, this is the lesson "Weather Inside": naming what you feel.
FAQ
What does highkey mean?
Very much, or openly; the opposite of lowkey.
Is lowkey a bad word?
No. It's everyday slang.
Is lowkey new slang?
No. "Low-key" is an old word; the slang use grew in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
How do you use lowkey in a sentence?
"I lowkey like this song" means "I kind of like it."
Related
Feelings Chart for Kids (Free Printable): How to Use One, Ages 4–7
A feelings chart for kids 4–7, with a free printable: why 30 faces are too many at age 5, how many feelings to start with, and how to use a chart daily.
Read next →Raising Stoics is a 12-week program for ages 5–6, built on Stoic philosophy and developmental psychology. One lesson is "Weather Inside": naming what you feel.