Low-key
adj, adv, slang ·Moderate ·College level
Definitions
- 1 Dark; characterized by dark tones and muted colors.
"The classic example of low key photography is a black cat in a coal cellar. […] The most popular use of low-key photography is in making portraits of celebrities or theatrical personalities. These people demand either dignity or drama, and this type of lightning is appropriate for both."
- 2 Restrained, subtle, not trying to attract attention. broadly
"She deserves an Oscar for her low-key performance in that movie."
- 1 restrained in style or quality wordnet
- 1 Used as a downtoner; kind of. Canada, US, colloquial
"I'm low key salty about the way that nigga did you but it seems like he still cares about you."
- 2 Actually; seriously. colloquial
"Lowkey if you talk about any woman like this you gotta die"
- 3 In a low-key or surreptitious manner; secretively; understatedly; on the down-low. slang
Example
More examples"Though he was frequently quoted in the media, Suga gained a reputation for having a low-key demeanor that generated little attention as a national political figure."
Etymology
From low + key.
Related phrases
More for "low-key"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.