'low-cut' originates from modern English, specifically the compound of 'low' + 'cut', where 'low' meant 'not high' and 'cut' referred to a cutting or an opening made by cutting.

'low' derives from Old English and Proto-Germanic roots meaning 'not high', while 'cut' ultimately traces to early Germanic and Old Norse/Old English vocabulary meaning 'to cut'; the two words were later combined in modern English to describe garments or items with a low (cut) opening.

Initially the separate words described height ('low') and an incision or opening ('cut'); over time they fused into the compound adjective 'low-cut' meaning 'having a low (revealing) opening', a usage now common for clothing and footwear.