You’ve probably come across those two letters all over TikTok. They often appear in videos with captions like “How to tell if someone is DL.”

But what exactly does “DL” mean? And what does it mean when someone is described that way? Is it a negative thing? 

The term carries a lot of history, and there’s more to it than meets the eye. Below, we’ll explain what “DL” stands for, where it comes from, and some common misunderstandings.

We’ll also explore related terms and meanings to give you a complete picture.

Key Points to Understand

• “DL” is short for “down low,” a phrase used to describe something kept secret or private.

• In a specific context, “down low” refers to men who publicly identify as straight but privately engage in same-sex relationships.

• The abbreviation “DL” can also stand for terms like “download,” “distance learning,” or “defensive lineman.”

Definition

“DL” Stands for “Down Low”

In general, “DL” means keeping something confidential. If someone wants to keep something “on the down low,” it means they want it to remain undisclosed.

Example:

• Friend: “I just bought the gift for Martha!”

• You: “Keep your voice down; we’ll keep that on the DL until the party.”

A Closer Look at the Meaning

In some cases, “down low” is used to refer to a person who is not openly gay but has private same-sex relationships.

This usage is particularly common in Black LGBTQ+ communities and dating apps like Grindr.

Example:
“Can you keep a secret? I’m not really into girls. I’m kind of DL.”

Many people choose to stay on the DL because they want to avoid negative social consequences.

This meaning is typically what people refer to when discussing how to recognize someone as “DL.”

Where the Term come from?

Origin in Black LGBTQ+ Communities

The term “down low” emerged in Black LGBTQ+ circles in the 1990s.

Unlike words like “closeted,” which broadly describe hidden sexuality, “down low” became associated with a specific group of Black men who used it to describe their experiences and the social risks they faced.

Author E. Lynn Harris explored this concept in the early ‘90s through his writings about Black men living double lives.

A common misconception is that you can easily identify a DL person based on appearance or behavior, but this isn’t necessarily true.

Mainstream Recognition

In 2004, author J.L. King brought the term into the spotlight with his book On the Down Low, in which he shared his experiences as a DL bisexual man.

His appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show introduced the phrase to a wider audience.

A year later, Keith Boykin released Beyond the Down Low, which is a challenging aspect of King’s book.

He specifically criticized claims that men on the DL were responsible for increased HIV/AIDS rates, arguing that there was no supporting evidence for such claims.

Related Terms

• Discreet – Someone who prefers to keep their personal life private, particularly regarding relationships or identity.

• Closeted – A person who hasn’t publicly revealed their sexual orientation or gender identity.

• Passing – When someone is assumed to belong to the dominant demographic, such as a gay person who is perceived as straight.

Other Possible Meanings

“DL” isn’t always used in a personal or social context. Here are some alternative definitions:

• Download – Refers to transferring files from the internet to a device. Example: “Check your DL speed.”

• Data Language – A programming language used to manage databases.

• Department of Labor – A U.S. government agency overseeing worker-related policies.

• Divisive Leader – A term used in politics or business for a leader who causes division within a group.

• Deciliter (dL) – A unit of measurement equal to 1/10 of a liter.

• Dimensionless Quantity – A mathematical or scientific value that doesn’t require a unit of measurement.

• Distance Learning – Online education or remote classes.

• Defensive Lineman – A football position on the defensive team, also known as a defensive end or tackle.

By understanding the different meanings and contexts of “DL,” you can interpret it correctly depending on the situation.