high hat

¹ American  

[hahy hat] / ˈhaɪ ˌhæt /

noun

1. top hat.

2. table tripod.

3. Also hi-hat, hi hat a set of high-hat cymbals.

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high-hat ² American  

[hahy-hat] / ˈhaɪˈhæt /

verb (used with object)

high-hatted, high-hatting

1. to snub or treat condescendingly.

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adjective

1. snobbish; disdainful; haughty.

high-hat ¹ British  

adjective

1. informal snobbish and arrogant

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verb

1. informal to treat in a snobbish or offhand way

noun

1. informal a snobbish person

2. two facing brass cymbals triggered by means of a foot pedal

high hat ² British  

noun

1. another name for top hat

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Other Word Forms

• high-hatter noun

Etymology

Origin of high hat¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Origin of high-hat²

First recorded in 1915–20; v., adj. use of high hat

Example Sentences

"I get dressed up in my full regalia - lab coat, rosette and two foot high hat - and go door-to-door asking for signatures," he says.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2023

He drew maximum sound from a minimal drum kit, consisting of one snare, a bass drum, two tom-toms, four cymbals and a high hat.

From Washington Post • Aug. 24, 2021

I was so inspired by Clyde’s rhythms that in a couple of years my tapping grew into drum sticks with a full drum set of high hat, cymbals, bass and snare drums, with lessons.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2019

"It's almost like seeing a guy show up at the soup kitchen in high hat and tuxedo. It kind of makes you a little bit suspicious."

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2018

I remember the carriage, the horse going slowly, and up ahead the back of the driver with his varnished high hat, and Catherine Barkley sitting beside me.

From "A Farewell To Arms" by Ernest Hemingway

Related Words

• condescending
• derisive
• disdainful
• disrespectful
• haughty
• insulting
• scornful