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.Men, usually black or latino, who partake in heterosexual relationships, but also engage in homosexual activities with other men at "oppurtune" times. These homosexual encouters happen purely for sex not a relationship or emotional connection. Over 73% of black males, as reported on Oprah, are on The DL.
by Shanalya Emiglaiman April 29, 2006
Get the The DL mug.Related Words
A predictable way to get better prices in stock market, options and futures investing in the direction he talks about in reference going out several weeks. Do your own due diligence.
"If you had listed and used the DL Indicator you would have made $10,000 instead of lost $15,000. There is always tomorrow."
by Slanginfoguy August 12, 2024
Get the The DL Indicator mug.A predictable way to get better prices in the direction he talks about in the next few weeks for stock markets, options etc. Do your own due diligence.
"If you had followed the DL Indicator you would be up $10,000 and not down $15,000. There is always tomorrow."
by Slanginfoguy August 12, 2024
Get the The DL Indicator mug.Meaning on the down low a turm used mostly by black homosexuals who are in the closet or the down low
by NLR718 June 11, 2006
Get the On the DL mug.by dickcheeselover30 October 29, 2021
Get the highkey must on the dl mug.To engage in an interaction, usually on a sexually basis, that involves no one but the two parties involved.
by Aaron123c May 8, 2018
Get the On the dl mug.