high key
/ˈhaɪ ˌkiː/
Meaning
'High key' is used to express an opinion, feeling, or truth openly and intensely. It is the opposite of 'low key' (which means quietly or secretly). It emphasizes that you are not trying to hide your feelings and are completely sure about them.
Examples
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I high key want to order pizza tonight even though I'm on a diet.
I high key want to order pizza tonight even though I'm on a diet.
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She was high key offended when he forgot her birthday.
She was high key offended when he forgot her birthday.
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I high key love this new album; I've been playing it on repeat all morning.
I high key love this new album; I've been playing it on repeat all morning.
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That movie was high key one of the best thrillers I've seen in years.
That movie was high key one of the best thrillers I've seen in years.
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We high key need to start planning our summer vacation before prices go up.
We high key need to start planning our summer vacation before prices go up.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I am high key about this project.
✓ I high key love this project.
'High key' is used as an adverb to modify verbs or adjectives, not as an adjective after the verb 'to be' to describe a person's state.
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✗ He said it high key.
✓ He high key said that.
'High key' usually goes before the verb or adjective it modifies, rather than at the end of the sentence.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I ___ want to go to that concert, but tickets are so expensive.
💡 I really, openly want to go.
Show answer
high key
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That test was ___ the hardest exam of the semester.
💡 It was definitely, openly the hardest.
Show answer
high key