low-key
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Used as a downtoner; kind of.
Register: colloquial
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
I'm low key salty about the way that nigga did you but it seems like he still cares about you.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Actually; seriously.
Register: colloquial
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
In a low-key or surreptitious manner; secretively; understatedly; on the down-low.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “low-key” mean?
Used as a downtoner; kind of.
Is “low-key” formal or informal?
low-key is generally colloquial.