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low-key
01
restrained in style or quality
Grammatical Information
Composition
Compound
qualitative
Superlative
most low-key
Comparative
more low-key
gradable
low-key
01
quietly, subtly, or modestly
Slang
Grammatical Information
What does "low-key" mean in slang?
The adverb "low-key" means subtly, mildly, or in a quiet or understated way. The structure comes from "low," implying reduced intensity, and "key," referring to level or prominence. It is informal slang used to express something without strong emphasis or publicity, such as "I low-key like it," meaning the feeling is real but not strongly or openly expressed.
Examples
I'm low-key excited about the trip, but I don't want to hype it up.
