Hiccups: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in everyday, casual conversations to refer to the sporadic contraction of the diaphragm causing an involuntary 'hic' sound.

• I drank that soda too quickly and now I have the hiccups!
• Does anyone know a good way to get rid of hiccups?

The verb form, describing the action of experiencing hiccups. It is suitable for use in both speaking and writing.

• He started hiccuping in the middle of the quiet meeting, which was quite embarrassing.
• Whenever she gets nervous, she can't stop hiccuping.

Considered an older, less common spelling of 'hiccups' but still understood. It can be used in more formal or medical contexts.

• The patient reported frequent hiccoughs over the past few days.
• Some remedies for hiccoughs include holding your breath or drinking water quickly.

This term is used to describe small, temporary problems or interruptions that occur in various situations, often related to technology or everyday activities. It's often used in a more informal and less serious context.

• There were some hiccups during the presentation, but overall it went well.
• Despite a few minor hiccups, the event was a success.

This term refers to a more significant issue or obstacle that delays or reverses progress. It implies a serious disruption and is often used in professional, financial, or personal development contexts.

• The project faced a major setback due to the unexpected budget cuts.
• Her injury was a setback in her training for the marathon.

This word is commonly used in the context of technology or machinery to describe a minor fault or malfunction. It's typically applied to software, electronic devices, or machines.

• There was a glitch in the software that caused the program to crash.
• The game had a minor glitch that made the screen freeze for a moment.