low-down

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The word "low-down" can be a bit tricky because it has a few different meanings and uses. Let’s break it down!

Basic Definition:

1. As a noun (slang): "Low-down" refers to inside information or the truth about a situation. It’s often used when someone wants to know what’s really going on, especially if it’s something secret or not widely known.

   • Example: "Can you give me the low-down on what happened at the meeting?"

2. As an adjective: It describes something that is mean, contemptible, or dishonest. It can also refer to a style of jazz music that is soulful, similar to early blues.

   • Example: "That was a low-down trick to play on your friends."

Usage Instructions:

• Use "low-down" when talking about secret information or when describing actions that are mean or dishonest.
• It is often used in informal conversations or in slang.

Advanced Usage:

• In a more complex sentence, you might say: "The journalist was known for getting the low-down on political scandals that others were afraid to touch."
• When describing music: "The band played a low-down blues that made everyone feel the depth of their emotions."

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "low-down," but you might encounter similar phrases like “low-down dirty” to emphasize dishonesty.

Different Meanings:

• Inside Information: This usage is more common in casual or informal settings.
• Dishonest Action: This meaning often has a negative connotation and is used to criticize someone's behavior.

Synonyms:

• For the noun meaning: inside scoop, details, inside story.
• For the adjective meaning: despicable, mean, contemptible, low, sneaky.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• While "low-down" itself isn’t part of a common idiom or phrasal verb, you might come across phrases like "give me the low-down" or "that was low-down behavior."

Example Sentences:

1. Noun Usage: "I heard you got the low-down on the new project. What can you tell me?" 2.

Academic

Noun

1. slang terms for inside information
   • is that the straight dope?

Adjective

1. (of jazz) having the soulful feeling of early blues
2. of the most contemptible kind
   • abject cowardice
   • a low stunt to pull
   • a low-down sneak
   • his miserable treatment of his family
   • You miserable skunk!
   • a scummy rabble
   • a scurvy trick

Synonyms

• dope
• poop
• the skinny
• funky
• abject
• low
• miserable
• scummy
• scurvy