Hiccuping: meaning, definitions and examples

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hiccuping

 

[หˆhษชkษ™pษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

medical

To make a repeated, involuntary spasm of the diaphragm and respiratory organs, with a sudden closure of the glottis and a characteristic sound like that of a cough.

Synonyms

belch, burp, sob.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hiccuping

Use this word to describe the involuntary action of spasms in the diaphragm causing a sudden intake of breath. Often occurs after eating or drinking too fast.

  • After drinking soda too quickly, she started hiccuping for several minutes
belch

This word is used when referring to the release of gas from the stomach through the mouth. It has a slightly casual or even vulgar tone.

  • He let out a loud belch after finishing his meal, much to everyone's annoyance
burp

Similar to belch, this word describes the release of gas from the stomach through the mouth, but it is more neutral and commonly used in polite conversation.

  • The baby let out a small burp after being fed
sob

Use this word to describe crying loudly with short, gasping breaths, usually because of strong emotions such as sadness or distress.

  • He started to sob uncontrollably after hearing the sad news

Examples of usage

  • She was hiccuping uncontrollably after drinking a fizzy drink.
  • The baby hiccuping after feeding is a common occurrence.
  • He couldn't stop hiccuping during the entire movie.
  • Hiccuping can sometimes be alleviated by holding your breath for a few seconds.
  • Persistent hiccuping may require medical attention.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

The sound or action of hiccuping.

Synonyms

belching, burping, sobbing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hiccuping

Occurs when there is an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm followed by a quick closure of the vocal cords. Usually happens after eating or drinking too quickly, but can also occur for no obvious reason.

  • After chugging his soda, he started hiccuping uncontrollably.
  • She was hiccuping for five minutes straight during the presentation.
belching

Refers to expelling gas from the stomach through the mouth with a sound. It usually happens after eating or drinking and can sometimes be considered rude in social settings.

  • He couldn't stop belching after the big meal.
  • She tried to stifle a belch during the meeting.
burping

Another way to describe the act of expelling gas from the stomach through the mouth. It is often considered more casual and less formal than 'belching', but can also be seen as impolite.

  • The baby was burping after every feeding.
  • They were burping loudly, much to everyone's dismay.
sobbing

Occurs when someone is crying noisily and uncontrollably. Often associated with intense emotions such as sadness or grief.

  • She was sobbing after hearing the bad news.
  • He couldn't stop sobbing at the end of the movie.

Examples of usage

  • His loud hiccuping echoed in the quiet room.
  • The doctor noted the frequency of her hiccuping episodes.
  • The persistent hiccuping was a cause for concern.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the early 19th century, and likely mimics the actual sound of a hiccup.
  • Related words in various languages, like 'singultus' in Latin, mean 'to hold back.'

Health

  • Hiccups can last just a few moments or continue for hours; persistent hiccups may indicate an underlying health issue.
  • Eating quickly or consuming carbonated beverages are common triggers for hiccuping.

Pop Culture

  • Hiccups have been humorously depicted in movies, like in 'The Princess Diaries' where the protagonist can't stop hiccuping during a royal dinner.
  • The comedic element of hiccuping has led to several viral internet challenges, where people try to control their hiccups.

Science

  • The physiological mechanism behind hiccups involves involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords.
  • Studies suggest that hiccups may have a purpose in human evolution, potentially aiding in the development of breathing patterns.

Mythology and Folklore

  • In some cultures, hiccuping is believed to indicate someone is thinking or talking about you.
  • There are various folk remedies across the world intended to cure hiccups, often involving traditional practices.

Translations

Translations of the word "hiccuping" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น soluรงar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคนเคฟเคšเค•เฅ€ เคฒเฅ‡เคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช schluckauf haben

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ cegukan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณะธะบะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ czkaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ—ใ‚ƒใฃใใ‚Šใ‚’ใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท avoir le hoquet

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tener hipo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hฤฑรงkฤฑrmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋”ธ๊พน์งˆํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠููˆุงู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลกkytat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ฤkaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‰“ๅ—

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kolcati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hikka

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะตะบั–ั€ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒฎแƒšแƒ”แƒžแƒก

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sฤฑxmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tener hipo