Pronunciation: [hˈa͡ɪ hˈatɪd] (IPA) 
The spelling of "high hatted" can be a bit confusing, as it may be mistakenly written as "high-hatted" or "high-hat-ed." The correct spelling is without the hyphens, as it is a past participle of the phrasal verb "to high-hat" meaning to snub or treat with contempt. The IPA phonetic transcription for "high hatted" would be /haɪ ˈhætɪd/ with the stress on the second syllable of "hatted."
The term "high hatted" is an idiomatic expression derived from the verb "to high hat." It refers to someone treating another individual with disdain, arrogance, or condescension. When someone is "high hatted," they are being snubbed or being made to feel inferior, usually through haughty behavior or dismissive actions.
The origins of "high hatted" can be traced back to the early 20th century, primarily within the United States. This expression originated from the image of a person wearing a formal and ostentatious hat, which symbolized their elevated social status. It signifies an act of looking down upon or belittling someone, often due to differences in social class, appearance, or perceived inferiority.
To be "high hatted" typically involves displaying an air of superiority, acting aloof, or disregarding another person's thoughts, feelings, or presence. This behavior is often done deliberately to assert dominance or maintain a sense of personal importance. It can occur in various contexts, such as social interactions, workplace dynamics, or within hierarchical structures.
Being "high hatted" can evoke feelings of humiliation, resentment, or inferiority in the person who is subjected to such treatment. It is a form of social exclusion or snubbing, which can harm relationships or create discord between individuals.
In summary, "high hatted" refers to the act of treating someone with disdain or arrogance, typically by displaying a sense of superiority or engaging in dismissive behavior.
The term "high hatted" originated in the United States in the early 20th century, specifically in the African American community. It comes from the expression "to give someone the high hat", meaning to snub, ignore, or treat someone condescendingly. The exact origin of the phrase is not entirely clear, but there are a few theories.
One possibility is that it comes from the snobbish behavior of people who wore high top hats in the late 19th century. These hats were seen as a symbol of wealth and social status, so someone who acted arrogantly or dismissively would be considered "high hatted".
Another theory suggests that "high hat" originated from the world of horse racing. In this context, the term referred to a horse that holds its head high, looking down on its competitors. This imagery was then applied to people who behave superiorly, as if looking down on others.
