low-down
UK[ˈləʊ daʊn]US[ˈloʊ daʊn]
adj
Describing someone or something as dishonest, unfair, or contemptible.
n
The true facts or relevant information about something, especially when previously concealed.
Morpheme Breakdown
low
down
low
not high/morally inferior
down
to a lower position/state
Etymology
The compound adjective and noun 'low-down' is a distinctly American English formation from the late 19th century. It creatively combines two native English words of Germanic origin, each with spatial meanings, to create a vivid metaphorical expression. The word 'low' evokes a position of moral baseness or inferiority, while 'down' intensifies this, suggesting something is not just low but thoroughly degraded or concealed beneath the surface. This logic of spatial descent translating to moral or informational status gives us the modern senses: a contemptible person (adjective) and the essential, often secret, facts (noun).
Analysis
Structure: low (not high/morally inferior) + down (to a lower position/state)
low: From Old English 'hlāw', 'hlēo' meaning "low, not high," and by extension, "humble, base, or morally inferior." In this compound, it carries the sense of being base or contemptible.
down: From Old English 'dūn', originally meaning "hill" but later used as an adverb/preposition meaning "to or in a lower position or state." In this compound, it intensifies the 'low' state, implying a complete or thorough descent into baseness or secrecy.
Examples
That was a low-down trick to play on someone who trusted you.
Give me the low-down on what really happened at the meeting.
He's the low-down, sneaky type you should avoid doing business with.