Hickup Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hickup
[ˈhɪkʌp ]
Definition
medical condition
A hiccup is a sudden, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm muscle, followed by the rapid closure of the vocal cords, which produces a characteristic 'hic' sound. While generally harmless, hiccups can be annoying and are often triggered by eating too quickly, consuming carbonated beverages, or experiencing emotional stress. Most hiccups resolve on their own within a few minutes, but persistent hiccups lasting more than 48 hours may require medical evaluation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She had a bad case of hiccups after drinking soda.
- He couldn't finish his speech because of the hiccups.
- The child tried different tricks to stop the hiccups.
- They laughed when he got a hiccup right before saying his name.
Translations
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Origin of 'hickup'
The word 'hiccup' originates from the mid-19th century, derived from the alteration of 'hiccough', which itself is a combination of 'hic' and 'cough'. 'Hic' mimics the sound of the spasm that occurs, while 'cough' refers to the sudden release of air from the lungs. This combination effectively describes the phenomenon associated with the involuntary contraction of the diaphragm. The term 'singultus,' which is the medical term for hiccups, comes from the Latin 'singultus' meaning 'to gasp' or 'to catch one's breath'. Fascinatingly, although hiccups are often overlooked as a trivial nuisance, they have captured attention throughout history, with various remedies and explanations offered across cultures.