Hiccupping: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'hiccup' comes from the 17th-century term 'hickup,' which mimicked the sound itself.
• In 1682, the spelling 'hiccough' appeared, mistakenly suggesting a relation to 'cough.'

Science

• Hiccups occur when the diaphragm, a muscle that helps you breathe, spasms involuntarily.
• Many theories exist about why hiccups happen, but the exact cause is still not fully understood.
• They can happen to everyone, but they are usually more frequent in babies and young children.

Cultural References

• In popular culture, hiccups are often portrayed in cartoons and movies for comedic effect.
• Some cultures believe that if you have hiccups, someone is thinking about you or missing you.

Health & Psychology

• Typically, hiccups are harmless and resolve on their own within a few minutes.
• Persistent hiccups lasting more than 48 hours may indicate an underlying health issue and should be checked by a doctor.

Remedies

• Common remedies for hiccups include drinking a glass of water quickly or holding your breath for a few seconds.
• Some people believe that surprising a person with hiccups can help them stop!

At position #40,286, 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.

• ...
• 40283 inertly
• 40284 slanging
• 40285 unlatching
• 40286 hiccupping
• 40287 chanteuse
• 40288 broadloom
• 40289 belabouring
• ...