- To give someone the essential, most important facts or information about a situation, often information that isn't widely known or is considered the 'inside story'.
Explanation
Origin
- American slang, emerged in the early 20th century.
- The exact origin is uncertain.
- Lowdown might suggest fundamental, basic facts (getting down low to the foundation) or perhaps secret, 'low' information not meant for everyone.
- It implies getting the real, unvarnished truth or the core details.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Spill the tea (Especially for gossip or drama)
- What's the 411? (Older slang, from directory assistance number, asking for info)
- Dish the dirt (Give gossip or negative info)
- Lemme get the details / Gimme the deets
Vulgar/Emphatic: (Usually demanding info)
- What the fuck happened?
Milder/Formal:
- Provide a summary
- Brief someone on the situation
- Inform someone of the key details
- Give an update
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Very common in casual conversation among friends, colleagues, etc.
- Avoid in very formal settings where briefing or summary would be more appropriate.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Ensure learners understand it means essential information or inside story, not literally something low down physically.
Examples
- Can you give me the lowdown on what happened at the meeting I missed?
- Okay, here's the lowdown: the project deadline has been moved up a week.
- She gave me the lowdown on why the company merger fell through.
Dialogue
Alex: Hey, I heard there was some drama at the party last night after I left.
Beth: Oh yeah, you missed it!
Alex: Come on, give me the lowdown! What happened?
Beth: Okay, so apparently Mark and Sarah got into a huge argument because... [explains the situation].
Alex: No way! Wow, thanks for the lowdown.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Anyone got the lowdown on the new software update? Is it safe to install yet? #TechHelp #Update
- Facebook Post: Missed the town hall meeting last night. Can someone give me the lowdown on the main decisions? #LocalNews #Community
- YouTube Video Title: The REAL Lowdown on the Latest Hollywood Gossip!
Response Patterns
When asked for the lowdown:
- Providing the information: Okay, so basically..., Alright, here's what you need to know...
- Hesitation (if the info is sensitive): Well, I don't know if I should..., It's complicated.
After receiving the lowdown:
- Expressing understanding/surprise: Oh, okay, I get it now., Wow, really?, Thanks for letting me know.
- Asking follow-up questions for more detail.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After asking for the lowdown:
- Listening attentively for the key information.
After receiving the lowdown:
- Asking clarifying questions: So what does that mean for us?, Who else knows?
- Acting based on the new information.
- Thanking the person for the information.
Conversation Starter
- Yes, asking someone Can you give me the lowdown on X? is a good way to start a conversation about a specific topic you want information on.
Intonation
- Often said conspiratorially or informatively. Stress usually on GIVE and LOWDOWN. GIVE me the LOWDOWN.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood across generations, though perhaps slightly more common among Gen X and older Millennials. Younger generations might prefer spill the tea for gossip.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions, originating in the US.