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Hiccoughs Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hiccoughs

[ˈhɪkʌp ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical term

A spasm of the diaphragm causing a sudden intake of breath; a hiccup.

Synonyms

belching, burping, hiccup.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hiccoughs

Used primarily in a medical or formal context to describe the sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle leading to hiccup sounds.

  • The patient had a prolonged episode of hiccoughs, which required medical attention.
  • Persistent hiccoughs can be a symptom of underlying health issues.
hiccup

Commonly used in informal conversation to describe the involuntary spasms of the diaphragm followed by a 'hic' sound. Also used metaphorically to describe small or minor problems.

  • I had the hiccups for ten minutes after drinking that soda.
  • There was a small hiccup in the plan, but we managed to fix it quickly.
belching

Commonly used when referring to the act of expelling gas noisily from the stomach through the mouth, often after eating or drinking. It can also carry a negative connotation when describing someone with bad manners.

  • After the carbonated drink, he couldn't stop belching.
  • Belching loudly at the dinner table is considered rude in many cultures.
burping

Used in everyday, informal contexts to describe the release of gas from the digestive system through the mouth. Often used in a casual or humorous way.

  • The baby started burping after being fed.
  • He let out a loud burp, causing his friends to laugh.

Examples of usage

  • He was experiencing hiccoughs after drinking fizzy drinks.
  • Persistent hiccoughs can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Health

  • Hiccups are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle that helps us breathe.
  • They can occur due to overeating, drinking fizzy drinks, or sudden changes in temperature, like drinking a cold beverage after hot food.
  • Most hiccups last only a few minutes, but some can last for days or even longer, which might require medical attention.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, hiccups are often linked to superstitions, like someone thinking of you or as a sign of good luck.
  • There are playful remedies across cultures, like holding your breath or drinking a glass of water upside down, showcasing the global creativity in dealing with hiccups.
  • In American pop culture, characters often have silly hiccup moments in cartoons or movies, adding to the humor of the condition.

Science

  • Research shows that hiccups may occur due to overstimulation of the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the abdomen.
  • The exact purpose of hiccups is still unclear, but some scientists believe they may be a remnant from our evolutionary past.
  • While they are generally harmless, persistent hiccups can lead to complications, like fatigue or difficulty eating.

Fun Facts

  • The world record for the longest bout of hiccups is held by Charles Osborne, who hiccupped for 68 years!
  • Some animals, like frogs and certain reptiles, also experience hiccups, showing it's not just a human quirk.
  • Hiccups can be triggered by excitement, anxiety, or even laughing too hard, highlighting the connection between our emotions and bodily responses.

Origin of 'hiccoughs'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hiccough' is a play on the sound itself, originating from the 16th century when the 'cough' part was added to create a more humorous tone.
  • Some sources suggest it is derived from earlier versions like 'hik', which imitates the sound before it evolved into its current form.
  • The spelling 'hiccough' illustrates the misconception that it is similar to 'cough', despite it not being related.

The word 'hiccoughs' originated from the Middle English word 'hicup' which was imitative of the sound of a hiccup. Over time, the spelling evolved to 'hiccoughs' before settling on the more common 'hiccups' in modern English.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,395, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.