The Village Idiom

on the Q.T.

The idiom "on the Q.T." means to do something secretly or discreetly, without drawing attention or causing others to notice.

Slang · Filed under O

In a sentence

  • He told me on the Q.T. that he was planning to quit his job.
  • The company is expanding, but it's all on the Q.T.
  • I heard a rumor on the Q.T. that they are dating.

Where it comes from and how it is used

On the Q.T. is a commonly used idiom in American English that means "secretly" or "confidentially." It is often used in informal conversations to convey the idea of secrecy or confidentiality.

The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but there are a few possible theories. One theory suggests that "on the Q.T." comes from the slang term "cutie," which refers to a young woman or a girlfriend. This theory proposes that the phrase was an abbreviation of "on the quiet," which means to keep something a secret or to do something without others knowing.

Another theory suggests that the phrase may have originated from the game of pool. In pool, "Q" and "T" are markers for certain shots. It is possible that "on the Q.T." was a slang phrase used by pool players to indicate a shot that was meant to be discreet or subtle.

The idiom gained popularity in the United States during the early 20th century and has since become a common phrase in American English. It is used in various contexts, including conversations among friends, in business settings, and in the media.

Similarly, "on the down-low" is another related idiom that means to keep something secret or hidden. It can also imply a sense of discretion or avoiding attention. An example sentence could be "They're dating, but it's on the down-low for now."

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.