A fork of Rural Dictionary
To keep quite on something. To not tell people about something. To not divulge information to people that should not know about something. Keeping certain information limited to a certain group or between two people.
"Keep this shit on the down low for now."
in secret; alt. "on the hush-hush"
"I just got a q-p of good green, but keep that on the down low cuz then everyone'll be hittin' me up."
1. anything low profile or to be kept in secrecy, especially in the realm of personal relationships. 2. any information to be kept private and between select parties, either in business, sports or personal relations.
1. I just met this new girl, but we're keeping it on the DL, until we're sure about each other. 2. I severely injured my ankle during practice, but let's keep it on the down low, so as to not alert the press. 3. This new talent of yours presents a style that is extremely rare, sign her up and let's keep it on the low, until all deals are signed.
To keep information limited to only a certain few "homies" who need know
Don't worry we will keep that dime bag that you bought "on the down low"
Back in the 60's, passing a joint within view of outsiders got the response: "Keep it low", or "Keep it down low (when you pass it)". This usually happened when riding in a car with friends. Over the years "Down low", "Keep it down low" and "Keep it on the down low" generalized into meaning 'keep it secret' or 'don't be obvious'.
(Old School version): "Hey, keep it low!" "Huh?" "Pass it low!" "(Puzzled)" (Laughter from everyone else) "Keep it down low when you pass it so nobody else can see what you're doing (you dummy)!" "(Nods head "OK")"