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Hiccoughed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ต
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hiccoughed

[หˆhษชkสŒpt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

physical reaction

Hiccoughed is the simple past tense of the verb hiccup, which refers to the involuntary contraction of the diaphragm muscle followed by an abrupt closure of the vocal cords, producing a characteristic sound. Hiccups can be triggered by eating too quickly, consuming carbonated beverages, or sudden changes in temperature. Although often considered a minor annoyance, hiccups can sometimes last for an extended period and may require remedies to alleviate.

Synonyms

hiccuped, hickuped.

Examples of usage

  • He hiccoughed after drinking fizzy soda.
  • She hiccoughed during the meeting unexpectedly.
  • After eating too fast, he hiccoughed repeatedly.
  • The child hiccoughed while giggling.
  • She hiccoughed in the middle of her speech.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health

  • Hiccups can be caused by eating too quickly, carbonated drinks, or sudden changes in temperature.
  • Most hiccups last less than a few minutes but can annoyingly persist for days in rare cases.
  • Certain home remedies like holding your breath or drinking water upside down are commonly believed to help.

Pop Culture

  • Hiccups have made their mark in comedy films and TV shows, often used for humorous effect.
  • The character of 'Hiccup' in the 'How to Train Your Dragon' series adds a playful twist to the word.
  • Various songs and ads reference hiccups as a quirky, relatable hiccup in life.

Science

  • Hiccups are controlled by the diaphragm, a muscle that assists with breathing.
  • They occur when the diaphragm spasms involuntarily, causing a sudden intake of breath that is stopped by the vocal cords.
  • Interestingly, animals like dogs can also experience hiccups, indicating itโ€™s not just a human phenomenon.

Psychology

  • Some studies suggest that stress or excitement may trigger hiccups in certain individuals.
  • Hiccups can be seen as an involuntary reflex that illustrates the intersection between mind and body.
  • They exemplify how bodily functions can sometimes reflect emotional states, like anxiety or laughter.

Origin of 'hiccoughed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hiccup' comes from Middle English 'hikup,' which is believed to mimic the actual sound made.
  • The term 'hiccoughed' reflects the action of having experienced a series of hiccups in the past.
  • Variations of the word appear in different languages, demonstrating a universal experience.

The word 'hiccup' originates from the mid-16th century, derived from the earlier form 'hiccuppe'. This phonetic evolution is thought to be onomatopoeic, meaning the word's form imitates the sound associated with the action itself. The distinctive 'hic' sound is represented in various languages, reflecting its intuitive connection to the bodily function. Over time, variations of the spelling and usage emerged, with 'hiccup' becoming the standard term in modern English. Linguistically, it exemplifies how bodily phenomena can shape language development. The frequent occurrence of hiccups and their impact on speech have contributed to the word's common usage in everyday language, often associated with humor or discomfort.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,276, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.