Darden Clarke|What does 'highkey' mean? Get to know the Gen-Z lingo and how to use it.

2025-05-07 11:04:49source:Lakshmi Finance Centercategory:My

It's hard to keep up with all the slang that people use these days. Thanks to social media,Darden Clarke there are so many different examples. To some, these shortened words or jumbles of letters might appear meaningless. But to others, they have made communication easier and quicker.

People have always adapted speech throughout history. For instance, no one says "over yonder" anymore. Now, we say "over there."

So, what about if someone says something is "highkey" good? What does that mean? No need to grab a dictionary, USA TODAY has got you covered.

What does 'highkey' mean?

While "lowkey" describes something subtle or modest, "highkey" refers to the opposite. The modifier is used to describe things that are obvious, over-the-top or intense.

Using "highkey" to describe something is similar to using "really," "a lot," "very" or "much." For example, "I'm highkey hungry" is similar to saying "I'm very hungry."

Highkey can describe just about anything, such as your thoughts on a new movie: "It was highkey bad," or "It was really bad." If something is "highkey," it is overt. It is done in a way that calls attention to make something known.

The slang can also be stylized as "high-key."

How to use 'highkey'

Here are some examples of how to use "highkey":

  • "I highkey think he's annoying."
  • "Beyoncé's Renaissance tour was the best concert I've ever been to highkey."
  • "The 'Trolls World Tour' soundtrack is highkey amazing."

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "What is the biggest star in the universe?" to "What's the most expensive dog?" to "How fast can I get a passport?" − we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer.

Want to learn? Catch up on more text slang explainers: 

  • Entering a new 'era'? Here's how some people define specific periods in their life.
  • Are you acting 'sus'? Here is what the slang term means.
  • Do you have 'rizz'? It's a compliment. Get to know Oxford's word of the year for 2023.
  • Move over 'LOL,' there's a new way to laugh online. What does 'ijbol' mean?
  • What does 'iykyk' mean? Get in on the joke with this texting slang.

More:My

Recommend

Trump claims Biden lost track of over 300,000 migrant children. Here's a fact check.

President-elect Donald Trump claimed in his Person of the Year interview with Time magazinethis week

Inmate van escape trial starts for Tennessee man facing sexual assault allegations

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The first of multiple trials has begun involving a Tennessee man who is ch

Puerto Rico bans discrimination against those who wear Afros and other hairstyles on diverse island

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico’s governor on Wednesday signed a law that prohibits discrim