Concise Definition

Lowkey - adjective & adverb

To be subtle or keep something secret/quiet.

Highkey - adjective  & adverb

Opposite of lowkey -  when something is obvious; similar to very

Extended Definition 

Lowkey can be written as low-key or low key, but in everyday use, most people do not add spaces. Same for highkey. It can also be high-key or high key. 

Lowkey

According to Dictionary.com, lowkey has origins in the early 19th century as an adjective for music with the meaning of a lower pitch. It was later used to describe other sounds such as whispering in the late 19th century. It is also used in photography to describe something dark with little light. Originally, lowkey was an adjective but by the 2000s, it started being used as an adverb (a word that describes). According to Insider, its new definition has roots in the hip pop community.

It is usually used by teens or young adults to give everyday conversations a less formal feeling and to say it’s not that serious.

Highkey

Highkey was historically used to describe photos that were mostly light toned and without shadows. It is also a technique used in early cinematography before colorized film.

Highkey has similar origins to lowkey but is used much less. 

Some screenshots of lowkey & highkey used irl 🤩 

Here's a song by Niki where the whole song is about being lowkey (sorta).

Biography

Hey! I’m Kailyn Bolfango and I’m a freshman at Sac City. My major is business because I lowkey have no idea what else to do. I’m part of SCC’s swim team and I love to read and bake. I would list more hobbies but I highkey go through them like crazy.