Abstract: A tappet comprises a foot having a convex cam contact surface and an axially extending hub, a tappet body having a lower body portion with a lower axial bore formed therein to receive the axially extended hub of the foot, and hydrocushions of oil between the foot, a thrust washer, and the lower portion of the tappet body. The cam contact surface operates in a frictional relationship with a cam lobe and the cam contact surface of the foot induces the foot to rotate about the centerline of the tappet. The hydrocushions of oil on each side of the thrust washer operate to reduce friction as the foot independently rotates axially about a centerline of the tappet body.