keep it real: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘keep it real’ mean?
The idiom "keep it real" means to stay true to oneself, be genuine, and not pretend to be something or someone else.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "to be honest" means to speak or express one's true thoughts, opinions, or feelings without deception or dishonesty.
The idiom "keep up appearances" means to maintain a certain image or perception, often to hide the true situation or feelings.
The idiom "keep one's chin up" means to remain cheerful and optimistic in a difficult or challenging situation. It encourages maintaining a positive attitude and not allowing oneself to be discouraged or defeated by adversity.
The idiom "keep on" means to continue doing something without stopping or to persist in doing something despite difficulties or obstacles.
The idiom "keep it up" means to continue doing something with the same effort and determination. It is often used to encourage or praise someone for their persistence or hard work.
The idiom "keep it one hundred" means being honest, genuine, and true to oneself without any pretense or deception.
The idiom "keep company" means to spend time with or be in the company of someone, usually in a social or friendly manner.
The idiom "keep a low profile" means to avoid attracting attention or publicity, and to remain inconspicuous or discreet in one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "keep a lid on" means to maintain control over something, especially to prevent it from becoming known or causing trouble.
The idiom "keep a cool head" means to remain calm and composed, especially in difficult or stressful situations.
Unmasking Authenticity
The idiom *keep it one hundred* is another expression that is closely related to the idea of *keeping it real*. While *keeping it real* emphasizes honesty and authenticity, *keep it one hundred* emphasizes staying true to oneself, being genuine, and not pretending to be something one is not.
When someone says *keep it one hundred*, they are basically saying "be yourself" or "be true to who you are." It is a reminder to not conform to societal expectations or try to be someone you're not just to fit in or gain approval. Instead, it encourages individuals to embrace their true selves and not be afraid to show their real personality, thoughts, and feelings.
The idiom *keep it one hundred* is particularly popular in African American communities. It has its roots in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and has gained wider usage in mainstream culture through music, especially in hip-hop and rap lyrics. Many artists use this phrase as a way to express their authenticity and encourage others to do the same.
While *keep it one hundred* and *keep it real* have similar meanings, they are often used in different contexts. *Keep it one hundred* is more commonly used in conversations about personal relationships, personal growth, and embracing one's true self. On the other hand, *keep it real* is often used in a broader sense, encompassing not only personal authenticity but also honesty and genuine expression in general.
Another related idiom to *keeping it real* is *for real and for true*. Although not as widely used as the previous idioms, *for real and for true* conveys a similar message of honesty, authenticity, and staying true to oneself.
The use of *for real and for true* is somewhat old-fashioned and may sound quaint to modern ears. However, it can still be encountered in certain regional dialects, literature, and older films and television shows.
When someone says *for real and for true*, they are emphasizing their sincerity and honesty. It is a way of stating that they are not joking or pretending, but genuinely expressing their thoughts, feelings, or intentions.
The idiom *for real and for true* can be used in a variety of situations. It can be a response to a question to affirm that the speaker is being completely honest, or it can be used as a stand-alone statement to emphasize the seriousness or truthfulness of what is being said.
Similar to *keeping it real* and *keeping it one hundred*, *for real and for true* encourages individuals to be genuine and true to themselves. It discourages deception or facades and encourages authentic expression.
The idioms *keep it real*, *keep it one hundred*, and *for real and for true* all convey the message of honesty, authenticity, and staying true to oneself. While *keep it real* is a widely used expression in American English, *keep it one hundred* is particularly popular in African American communities and in music. *For real and for true* is an older idiom that emphasizes sincerity and honesty. These idioms remind us to embrace our true selves, be genuine in our words and actions, and not pretend to be something or someone we're not.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "keep it real" can be used in a sentence:
1. She always keeps it real with her friends and never sugarcoats the truth.
2. As a rapper, he is known for his raw and authentic lyrics, always keeping it real in his songs.
3. Despite his success, he remained humble and true to himself, always keeping it real no matter what.
More "Authenticity" idioms
