layin’ low
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "layin’ low" means keeping quiet, staying out of sight, or avoiding attention. It comes from the older English phrase "lay low," but the dropped "g" form is how it’s most often spoken in the region.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If we been sick and not been out, we might say we been layin’ low. Pronunciation
[LAY-in loh]
Meaning & Usage
- To stay out of sight or avoid notice (verb phrase)
Mae:
Heard you been scarce.
Heard you been scarce.
Earl:
Yeah, just layin’ low till things cool off.
Yeah, just layin’ low till things cool off.- To rest quietly / not be active (verb phrase)
Mae:
What’d y’all do last week?
What’d y’all do last week?
Earl:
Nothin’ much - just layin’ low at the house.
Nothin’ much - just layin’ low at the house.other spellings: lay low
★ "Layin’ low" often carries a hint of avoiding gossip or trouble - not just resting, but keeping out of the spotlight. ★
Origin
From the older English phrase "lay low," found as far back as Shakespeare. In Appalachia and the South, the clipped form "layin’ low" became the natural everyday version.
Notes
Still common in Southern and Appalachian talk. Nationally recognized too, but it sounds especially natural in rural and country settings.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "lay-in low." The "g" is almost never pronounced.