What is "hi-hat"

n. A pair of cymbals as part of a drum kit that clash together when actuated by the foot pedal.

A hi-hat, also spelled hihat, is a combination cymbal and stand found in a standard drum kit used by percussionists playing popular music. It consists of a mating pair of small cymbals mounted atop one-another on a stand, the bottom fixed and the top activated up and down by a foot pedal. It evolved from a "sock cymbal", a pair of similar cymbals mounted at ground level on a hinged, spring-loaded foot apparatus. Over time these became mounted on short stands - also known as "low-boys" - and activated by foot pedals similar to those used today. When extended upwards roughly 3' they were originally known as "high sock" cymbals, which evolved over time to the familiar "high-hat" term.

The cymbals may be played by clashing them with the foot pedal or striking them with a stick, which may be done with them open, closed, open then closed to dampen, or closed and then opened to create a shimmering effect.

Nadine "Hi-Hat" Ruffin is a choreographer of hip-hop dance from New York City. She has worked with Montell Jordan, Big Time Rush, Teddy Riley, P-Diddy, Wyclef, Shakira, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Eve, and Jay-Z. Ruffin's work is featured in many Missy Elliott music videos, such as " All n My Grill", " She's a Bitch", " Hit Em wit da Hee", " Sock It To Me", " Beep Me 911", " Get Ur Freak On", and " One Minute Man". Ruffin has served as a guest judge on the American dance competition reality TV series So You Think You Can Dance.