The phrase "give lowdown" is spelled using standard English orthography. It is pronounced /ɡɪv ˈloʊdaʊn/ and consists of two words. "Give" is spelled g-i-v-e and is pronounced with a voiced velar stop at the beginning (/ɡ/) and a long ī vowel sound in the second syllable (/aɪ/). "Lowdown" is spelled l-o-w-d-o-w-n and is pronounced with a voiced w sound at the end of the first syllable (/oʊw/) and a short ŭ vowel sound in the final syllable (/dʌn/). Together, the phrase means to provide information or details.
The phrase "give lowdown" is an idiomatic expression that means to provide detailed and comprehensive information or the truth about a particular situation, either to someone who is seeking knowledge or to a group of individuals. This term originated from American English slang, particularly in the mid-20th century, and it remains in common usage today.
When someone is asked to "give lowdown," they are being requested to share all the pertinent details, facts, or knowledge about a specific subject matter. It implies that the person expects a thorough and honest explanation, often about a complex or secretive matter. The nature of this expression suggests that the information being conveyed may be considered confidential or privileged, as if the person receiving the lowdown is being granted insider knowledge or exclusive access to the truth.
The phrase "give lowdown" is commonly used in informal conversations, personal discussions, or even in journalistic contexts. It emphasizes the importance of being forthcoming and open in providing accurate and comprehensive information, thus enabling the recipient to have a clear understanding of the subject matter at hand. The act of "giving lowdown" is often associated with clarity, transparency, and being reliable in sharing essential details or insights, indicating a sense of trust or honesty between the parties involved.
The term "give lowdown" is an idiomatic expression in English, which means to provide someone with detailed information or a summary of a situation.
The word "lowdown" originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in the early 20th century. It is a noun form of the adjective "low" meaning "mean" or "dishonest". In this context, "lowdown" refers to the unfiltered truth or inside information, particularly about someone's actions or intentions. It gained popularity in mainstream English and became a widely used slang term.
The phrase "give lowdown" likely emerged as a colloquial way to request or offer such detailed information. The verb "give" is used to indicate the action of providing or presenting the lowdown or details to someone. Over time, the phrase became established as an idiomatic expression, independent of its literal origins.