HAI Community:What does 'highkey' mean? Get to know the Gen-Z lingo and how to use it.

2025-05-05 22:25:40source:Zopes Exchangecategory:reviews

It's hard to keep up with all the slang that people use these days. Thanks to social media,HAI Community 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:reviews

Recommend

Toyota to invest $922 million to build a new paint facility at its Kentucky complex

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (AP) — Toyota said Thursday it will build a new paint facility as part of a $922 mil

Minneapolis Uber and Lyft drivers due for $15 an hour under council’s plan but mayor vows a veto

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minneapolis City Council passed a measure Thursday that would increase wages

Trump attorneys post bond to support $83.3 million award to writer in defamation case

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has secured a bond sufficient to support an $83.3 mill