lowkey and highkey

“Lowkey” and “highkey” are two opposites used to grade how strongly or how openly something is meant. “Lowkey” means “a bit”, “sort of” or “secretly”. “Highkey” means “quite openly”, “totally”, “without hiding it”.

Both words come from English and usually sit in front of the actual statement, like an intensifier or a softener.

In a chat: “I lowkey think you’re pretty cute” means “I do kind of think you’re cute, but I’m saying it carefully”. Whereas: “I’m highkey nervous about our date” means “I’m really nervous and I’m admitting it openly”.

On DaddyBoy

A “lowkey” is often a cautious step forward. Give the other person some reassurance, for instance with: “That’s lovely to hear, I think you’re cute too.” Someone who writes “highkey” is putting his cards on the table – so you can answer just as openly.