The DL or The Down Low, like many terms and phrases in the American culture, can attribute their genesis to the Gay and Urban Black community, The, "DL" has evolved to be used universally to refer to activities conducted secretly and behind the scenes. The DL can also refer to behavior described as slick or deceptive.
The term has truly evolved. In recent times DL has gone from being used exclusively to describe covert male homosexual behavior of a man fronting (portraying himself), as a heterosexual but in reality is actually a closet Gay man, to now refer to any behavior, action, or behavior that can be described as secretive or deceptive.
Etymology
DL or “Down Low”, attributes its genesis from the Inner City Black and Sub Culture. The Black community was slow to accept the male homosexual in their community so Black Men were maintaining a cover, by acting as they were only into the Ladies. Their homosexuality was secret and thus adopted the term, “Down Low” to refer to a man that is a closet homosexual or a man that engages in sexual relations with both male and female partners. The term evolved to identify such men as their female partners were discovering that their Man was subversively engaging in sexual relations with another man on the side, (on the DL) while their female partner was unaware of his behavior and sexual preference. Prior to the Homosexual descriptive, the term was used to describe: any kind of secretive, slick, and/or deceptive behavior.
The term has truly evolved. In recent times DL has gone from being used exclusively to describe covert male homosexual behavior of a man fronting (portraying himself), as a heterosexual but in reality is actually a closet Gay man, to now refer to any behavior, action, or behavior that can be described as secretive or deceptive.
Etymology
DL or “Down Low”, attributes its genesis from the Inner City Black and Sub Culture. The Black community was slow to accept the male homosexual in their community so Black Men were maintaining a cover, by acting as they were only into the Ladies. Their homosexuality was secret and thus adopted the term, “Down Low” to refer to a man that is a closet homosexual or a man that engages in sexual relations with both male and female partners. The term evolved to identify such men as their female partners were discovering that their Man was subversively engaging in sexual relations with another man on the side, (on the DL) while their female partner was unaware of his behavior and sexual preference. Prior to the Homosexual descriptive, the term was used to describe: any kind of secretive, slick, and/or deceptive behavior.
None Sexual Reference: Steve is moonlighting as a Bartender on the DL so his friends don't go to the bar and harass him while on the job.
Sexual Reference: Mike is seeing His Girl's BF on the DL hoping she won't bust him out.
Sexual Reference: Mike is seeing His Girl's BF on the DL hoping she won't bust him out.
by CarizmaGuy November 2, 2016
Get the The DL mug.DL
DL means Down Low. This is basically a man who is seen publicly as straight, identifies and ‘acts’ straight; but secretly is attracted to or has sex with other men.
DL means Down Low. This is basically a man who is seen publicly as straight, identifies and ‘acts’ straight; but secretly is attracted to or has sex with other men.
Kenneth: Oh Chris is so hot, why is he straight?
MJ: He’s on the dl, he ate my ass out in the parking lot this morning.
MJ: He’s on the dl, he ate my ass out in the parking lot this morning.
by MANJIII April 4, 2020
Get the DL mug.Related Words
The process of downloading, and having a look.
It is quickly becoming the new standard of the internet. Many who have downloaded, forget to look.
Derived from empornium.
It is quickly becoming the new standard of the internet. Many who have downloaded, forget to look.
Derived from empornium.
kallazz: I will DL and have a look.
ThongGoblin: Apparently he'll download and have a look.
hancomp: Hey kallazz...did you DL and have a look?
ThongGoblin: Apparently he'll download and have a look.
hancomp: Hey kallazz...did you DL and have a look?
by flipz February 14, 2005
Get the i will DL and have a look mug.Tory: I see you with your new man
Angie: yeah he better than you
Tory: Y.D.L.R. Together your mine forever
Angie: yeah he better than you
Tory: Y.D.L.R. Together your mine forever
by Savi_MD March 21, 2021
Get the Y.D.L.R mug.Term used by gamers in Red Alert 2 and Starcraft in conjunction with "GL HF" in order to sway the opponent into wasting time with questioning what it means.
Me: GL HF MN DL
Opponent: What does MN DL mean?
Opponent: Hello? What is that?
Opponent: I dont get it...
Opponent: What does MN DL mean?
Opponent: Hello? What is that?
Opponent: I dont get it...
by SwayDawg January 8, 2012
Get the mn dl mug.A quicker way to say "not funny. didn't laugh" when someone is being really unfunny.
A good time to say this is when someone says yeet, a ugandan knuckles joke, or a ligma or sugma joke. This tactic can be used to destroy people's lives in a matter of seconds, and cripple them beyond repair. Be careful, gamers.
A good time to say this is when someone says yeet, a ugandan knuckles joke, or a ligma or sugma joke. This tactic can be used to destroy people's lives in a matter of seconds, and cripple them beyond repair. Be careful, gamers.
Guy 1: LMAOO LIGMA!!! PICKLE RICK LOL DO YU KNO DA WAE!!!"
Guy 2: nf;dl
Guy 1: oof that's some hot tea! *yeets away*
Guy 2: nf;dl
Guy 1: oof that's some hot tea! *yeets away*
by gumblemut October 24, 2018
Get the nf;dl mug.A "Straight" Man That Usually Has A Girlfriend Or Wife But, He Also Has A BoyFriend On The Dl (Down Low). Most Dl's Aren't Gay Just Bisexual But, Afraid To Come Out Because Of Family Or Friends.
Leo: You I'm Talking To This Boy On SnapChat, I Think He's Dl.
Chanel: Oh Shit Really Lemme See Him.
Leo: Look.
Chanel: Oh Shit Really Lemme See Him.
Leo: Look.
by Stratus Clouds May 21, 2017
Get the DL mug.