How Do You Spell LOW DOWN?

Pronunciation: [lˈə͡ʊ dˈa͡ʊn] (IPA)

The phrase "low down" can be tricky to spell since it doesn't follow typical phonetic patterns. The first word, "low," is spelled as it sounds /loʊ/. However, the second word, "down," is not pronounced /daʊn/ as one might expect. Instead, it's pronounced /daʊn/ with a silent "w" sound. This is because the word comes from African American slang and was influenced by dialects in the American South. Despite its irregular spelling, "low down" remains a common phrase to describe secretive or dishonest behavior.

LOW DOWN Meaning and Definition

1. Low down is a colloquial expression used primarily in informal speech and writing. It pertains to providing someone with detailed, accurate, and usually unpleasant information about a particular situation, event, or person. It is used to describe the act of revealing or disclosing the essential facts or truth about someone or something, especially if it involves secretive, deceitful, or shady behavior.

   The term can also refer to the moral character or nature of an individual or action. It suggests that the action or person involved is untrustworthy, dishonest, or unethical. In this sense, it often describes someone who engages in clandestine or malicious activities, intentionally causing harm or distress to others.

   Furthermore, "low down" can be employed as an adjective to describe anything perceived as undesirable or lacking in quality. When used in this context, it suggests that the object or person is of inferior or poor quality, falling short of expectations.

   Overall, "low down" encompasses the dual notions of revealing truthful information and negative moral qualities. Its multifaceted usage makes it a flexible and powerful expression to convey both the dissemination of unwelcome information and the description of deceitful or immoral behavior.

Common Misspellings for LOW DOWN

• lowdown
• low-downn
• low-down
• lowdowne
• lowedown
• lowdownn
• Low-downe
• Lowedowne
• Lowedownn
• Lowedon
• Lowedonn

Etymology of LOW DOWN

The phrase "low down" originated in early 20th-century African American vernacular and is believed to have originated from the phrase "lowdown dirty", essentially meaning "mean-spirited" or "dishonest". The word "low" refers to something morally or socially inferior, while "down" suggests the act of revealing or sharing information. Over time, the term "low down" has evolved to generally refer to information or details about a particular person, situation, or event.

Similar spelling words for LOW DOWN

• london,
• Loudon,
• load down,
• low-down.