Lowkey means slightly or secretly. "I lowkey like you." It is a confession. It is a hedge. It says, "I have feelings, but I am not ready to admit them fully." The word comes from slang. It is the opposite of highkey. It is used in texting and speech. It is informal.

Lowkey is a modifier. It adds subtlety. "I lowkey want pizza." It means you want pizza, but you are not making a big deal. It is a way to test the waters. It is a way to be honest without being vulnerable. It is a small door. It opens a little.

Related slang

• Highkey: overtly, intensely.
• Deadass: seriously.
• No cap: no lie.
• Fr: for real.

Lowkey is not for formal settings. It is for friends, for crushes, for opinions you are not sure about. It is a word of moderation. It takes the edge off. It says, "This is how I feel, but I am not making a speech." That is a useful thing. Sometimes the truth is best served lowkey.