United StatesGeneralcolloquialslanginformal
- To be honest, genuine, or authentic in one's words or behavior; not to pretend or deceive.
United StatesGeneralcolloquialinformal
- Used as a valediction or encouragement meaning 'remain true to yourself' or 'stay authentic.'
United StatesGeneralcolloquialinformal
- Used with an adjective or adverb (as in 'keep it real quiet' or 'keep it real close') to mean 'maintain a high degree of' the quality expressed by that adjective or adverb; 'real' functions as an informal intensifier.