Hiccup

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

IPA: /ˈhɪk.ʌp/

Phonetic: "HIK-up"

Definitions

• (Noun) An involuntary spasm of the diaphragm followed by a quick closure of the vocal cords, producing a characteristic sound.
• (Noun) A temporary setback or minor problem in a process.
• (Verb) To experience repeated contractions of the diaphragm, causing hiccups.

Usage Examples

• She drank water slowly to stop her hiccups.
• There was a small hiccup in the project timeline, but we resolved it quickly.
• He hiccuped after eating too fast.

Etymology

From Middle English hikup, an imitation of the sound produced by the condition.

Synonyms

• Hiccough
• Glitch
• Setback

Antonyms

• Continuity
• Smooth progression

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In British English, it is sometimes pronounced as "HICK-up," while in some dialects, "HICK-cough" is also used.

Historical Usage

Hiccups have been referenced in medical texts for centuries, with various folk remedies developed to stop them.

Cultural Nuances

Different cultures have superstitions about hiccups. Some believe they occur when someone is talking about you, while others see them as a sign of bad digestion.

More Information

Hiccups are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm. They usually resolve on their own but can sometimes persist, requiring medical attention. Many home remedies exist, including holding one's breath, drinking water, or being startled.