The phrase "giving the low down" comes from American slang and refers to providing information or details about a particular topic. The word "low" is spelled with the /ləʊ/ sound, which comes from the Old English word "hlāw", meaning a small hill or mound. The word "down" is spelled with the /daʊn/ sound, which comes from the Old Norse word "dúnn", meaning a soft fluffy mass of feathers or wool. The phrase is commonly used in casual conversation and media, and can be spelled as "lowdown" or "low-down" as well.
The phrase "giving the low down" refers to the act of providing detailed and specific information about a particular topic, event, or situation. It is commonly used in informal conversations and colloquial language. When someone gives the low down, they offer a thorough and often insider perspective, allowing others to have a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
The term "low down" originates from African American vernacular expressions. It conveys the idea of sharing the most essential and honest details, often referring to behind-the-scenes knowledge or insider information. Giving the low down entails offering insights that are not commonly known or readily available to the general public, allowing others to gain deeper insights or make informed decisions.
This phrase is frequently used in various contexts, such as gossip, sharing news, explaining a process or procedure, or providing background information. It implies a level of trust or familiarity between the person providing the low down and the recipient, indicating that the information is reliable and accurate.
Overall, giving the low down is an idiom that emphasizes providing thorough and detailed information, often with a level of insider knowledge, to ensure that others gain a comprehensive understanding of a specific subject or situation.