high-low
UK[ˌhaɪ ˈləʊ]US[ˌhaɪ ˈloʊ]
adj
combining elements of both high and low status, style, or quality
adj
(of a card game or bet) involving both high and low hands or outcomes
n
a game of poker or a bet in which the pot is split between the highest and lowest hands
Morpheme Breakdown
high
low
high
of great vertical extent
low
of little vertical extent
Etymology
The compound 'high-low' is a modern English formation directly combining the native English adjectives 'high' and 'low'. Both elements trace back to common Germanic roots, with 'high' relating to concepts of height and elevation, and 'low' to concepts of lowness and flatness. The compound logically juxtaposes these opposites to create a sense of encompassing both extremes or a mixture of ranks. This pattern is productive in English, generating terms that describe hybridity, such as in fashion ('high-low mix'), games, or social contexts, where it denotes a blending of disparate levels.
Analysis
Structure: high (of great vertical extent) + low (of little vertical extent)
- high: From Old English hēah, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch hoog and German hoch. Functions as an adjective denoting great vertical extent or elevated status.
- low: From Old Norse lágr, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch laag and German lage ('bed, layer'). Functions as an adjective denoting small vertical extent or humble status.
Examples
She is known for her high-low fashion sense, pairing designer gowns with vintage sneakers.
In this round, we're playing high-low poker, so the best and worst hands can both win a share.
The novel presents a high-low view of society, moving between aristocratic salons and the gritty underworld.