Surely you've heard the phrases like 'living lowkey', 'lowkey boy',... trending on social media lately. But do you know, this term extends beyond that with various applications and meanings? So, what is lowkey? How do people who live lowkey behave? Let's explore deeper with Mytour Blog in the article below!
What is Lowkey?
Lowkey is an English term, often understood as modest, not showy, and displaying a sense of control, gentleness, typically carrying out tasks discreetly. 'Lowkey' also holds a similar meaning to 'humble'. However, the interpretation of 'lowkey' may vary depending on the context and field of usage.

What does 'lowkey' mean on social media?
Lowkey officially became the hottest slang term on Twitter in 2015. On social media platforms, the phrase 'lowkey' is used by Generation Z with a similar meaning to its original English version, often referring to someone modest, not fond of showing off. In this context, 'not showy' is often understood as living discreetly, not frequently sharing photos or statuses, having few friends online, and having a relatively empty profile. Moreover, Generation Z also often humorously translates the phrase 'lowkey' into Vietnamese with the phonetic transcription 'chìa khoá thấp'.
Who are lowkey people?
Those who are 'lowkey' on social media simply rarely share about their personal lives or even infrequently access these platforms. With this understanding, you'll easily unravel the mysteries surrounding terms like 'lowkey boy' and 'lowkey girl'.

What is it like to live lowkey?
When talking about living 'lowkey' outside of social media, it often implies the personality of someone profound, calm, and less talkative.
What is lowkey love?
Lowkey love is often understood as a type of love that is discreet, quiet, and doesn't require excessive display or public expression of affection. Couples often keep their relationship private, not sharing it openly on social media. For them, love only needs presence and understanding from those close to them. They believe that not showcasing affection outwardly doesn't make their relationship any better or happier.
What does 'lowkey' mean in other fields?
In the field of music
Before the 1980s, 'lowkey' was often used to describe deep, mellow sounds in music and even in speech. The term 'lowkey' was first used by the writer Charles Dickens in the 19th century to describe the tone of a character in his work Martin Chuzzlewit.

The most famous indie artists in Vietnam
Currently, the term lowkey is also commonly used in discussions about indie artists or Underground artists. A lowkey artist typically operates independently, without ties to management companies, and often appears primarily on social media and the internet. The music created and performed by indie artists often pursues personal creativity, unaffected by commercial goals or market trends. This parallels the lowkey lifestyle in the perspective of Generation Z on social media.
In the field of photography
Lowkey technique (capturing dark contrast) is a style of photography that focuses on using black as the dominant background. The bright area occupies only a small part (about 10-20%) and is usually the subject of the photo. This technique creates strong contrast, highlighting the subject and creating a captivating look for the photo.
In Lowkey photography, contrast plays a crucial role and it is also the characteristic that makes it unique. High contrast, when weak light is covered by black, helps highlight the subject and creates a space filled with strength and mystery. Photos using the Lowkey technique are often used to create a strong and unforgettable impression on viewers.

So here we are, delving into the term “lowkey” and its common phrases not only on social media but also in music and photography. Despite its various meanings, the core message of lowkey always revolves around living modestly, simply, and without flaunting. Hopefully, after reading this article by Mytour, you've grasped a new phrase, ready to apply it in appropriate situations.