In Appalachian and Southern speech, "layin’ low" (or "laying 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.
If we been sick and not been out, we might say we been layin’ low.
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)
After trouble
Mae:
Heard you been scarce.
Earl:
Yeah, just layin’ low till things cool off.
- To rest quietly / not be active (verb phrase)
At the house
Mae:
What’d y’all do last week?
Earl:
Nothin’ much - just layin’ low at the house.
variations: lay low
★ "Layin’ low" often carries a hint of avoiding gossip or trouble - not just resting, but keeping out of the spotlight. ★
Origin and Etymology
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.
Usage 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.
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If we been sick and not been out, we might say we been layin’ low.