low-down: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, slang.
Quick answer
What does “low-down” mean?
Adjective: mean, unfair, dishonest.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Adjective: mean, unfair, dishonest; Noun (informal): the true facts or secret information about something, especially when scandalous.
As an adjective, it can describe actions or people considered contemptible or lacking in morals. As a noun, it refers to inside information or the full, often private, details on a situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar in both varieties, though the noun sense may be slightly more prevalent in American English.
Connotations
Carries a strong negative judgement, implying underhandedness or secrecy.
Frequency
More common in spoken and informal written English than in formal contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “low-down” in a Sentence
[Noun] give [Person] the low-down on [Topic][Adjective] a low-down [Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “low-down” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- That was a low-down trick to play on your friend.
- He's a low-down, dirty scoundrel.
American English
- Pulling that kind of low-down stunt will ruin your reputation.
- It was a low-down thing to lie to her.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in very informal office talk (e.g., 'I'll get the low-down on the merger').
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation to share or request insider information.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “low-down”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “low-down”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Writing as two separate words ('low down').
- Confusing with the phrasal verb 'to low down' (which doesn't exist).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it carries a negative connotation, whether describing despicable behaviour or secret, often scandalous, information.
No, 'low-down' is not used as a verb. It functions only as an adjective or a noun.
Yes, the hyphen is standard in both the adjective and noun forms to indicate it is a compound word with a specific meaning.
'Low-down' implies secret, private, or scandalous details, whereas 'details' is neutral and can refer to any kind of specific information.
Adjective: mean, unfair, dishonest.
Low-down is usually informal, slang. in register.
Low-down: in British English it is pronounced /ˈləʊ daʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈloʊ daʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “give someone the low-down”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'low' as being morally low and 'down' as hidden below—so 'low-down' facts are the hidden, dirty truths.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/INFORMATION IS DOWN (hidden, to be uncovered).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'low-down' LEAST appropriate?