What Does DL Mean in Slang?
DL means 'down low' — keeping something secret or private. Learn what 'DL' means in slang and texting, its origin, and how 'on the DL' is used.
Published · 2 min read · Free · No sign-up
Quick answer
DL stands for 'down low,' meaning to keep something secret, private, or discreet. Saying something is 'on the DL' means keep it confidential — don't tell anyone.
What Does DL Mean in Slang?
DL stands for “down low,” meaning to keep something secret, private, or discreet. When someone tells you something is “on the DL,” they’re asking you to keep it confidential — don’t repeat it, don’t broadcast it, keep it quiet.
It’s one of the most common privacy-related abbreviations in casual texting and conversation.
Where “DL” Comes From
DL is simply an abbreviation of the phrase “down low,” which means hidden, discreet, or out of public view. The expression has roots in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and entered mainstream slang as a quick way to flag that information is sensitive.
The full phrase “keep it on the down low” predates the abbreviation; over time “down low” got shortened to “DL” in texting.
How “DL” Is Used
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ”Keep it on the DL.” | Keep it secret |
| ”On the DL…” | Confidentially / between us |
| ”We did it on the DL.” | We did it discreetly |
| ”It’s still DL.” | Still being kept quiet |
You’ll usually see DL paired with “on the” — “on the DL” — to flag confidentiality.
DL = “Down Low” vs. “Download”
There’s one other common meaning of DL, mostly in tech and gaming:
- Slang: DL = “down low” → secret/private.
- Tech: DL = “download” → “DL the file,” “still DLing the update.”
Context makes it clear. If someone is talking about secrecy, it’s “down low”; if they’re talking about files, games, or updates, it’s “download.”
When People Use “On the DL”
The phrase shows up whenever information is sensitive but shareable in confidence:
- Surprise plans: “We’re throwing her a party — keep it on the DL.”
- Early news: “On the DL, I think I’m getting the job.”
- Personal matters: “Telling you this on the DL, don’t repeat it.”
The implication is trust: you’re being let in on something, and you’re expected to keep it quiet.
Example Sentences
- “Don’t post about it yet, keep it on the DL.”
- “On the DL, they’re breaking up soon.”
- “I’ll DL the movie tonight.” (download)
Whenever you see “DL” in a message about secrets or plans, read it as “down low” — a request to keep things private.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DL mean in texting?
In texting, DL means 'down low,' which is short for keeping something secret or private. If someone says 'keep it on the DL,' they want you to keep the information confidential and not share it with others.
Where did the slang DL come from?
DL is an abbreviation of the phrase 'down low,' meaning hidden or discreet. The phrase has roots in African American Vernacular English and became widely used in everyday slang and texting for keeping things private.
What does on the DL mean?
'On the DL' means on the down low — kept quiet, secret, or discreet. For example, 'I'm telling you this on the DL' means the information is confidential and should not be repeated.
Can DL mean download?
Yes, in tech and gaming contexts DL often stands for 'download,' as in 'DL the file' or 'still DLing the update.' Context tells you whether someone means 'down low' (secret) or 'download.'
How do you use DL in a sentence?
Use it to ask for secrecy, like 'keep this on the DL' or 'let's plan the party on the DL.' In tech contexts, it can mean download, like 'I'll DL it now.' It's common in casual texting.