Hiccup vs. Hiccough: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on February 23, 2024
Hiccup is an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm, often resulting in a sharp intake of breath. Hiccough, an older spelling, refers to the same physical reaction but is less commonly used today.
Key Differences
Hiccups occur when the diaphragm suddenly contracts involuntarily, while "hiccough" is merely an alternate spelling that reflects an older pronunciation. The difference lies primarily in orthography and usage, not in the nature of the phenomenon itself. Both terms describe the same reflex, characterized by the distinctive sound produced when the vocal cords snap shut as air rushes into the lungs.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
The term "hiccup" is now the preferred spelling in modern English, reflecting the sound of the action it describes. "Hiccough," on the other hand, suggests a phonetic connection to "cough," although the physical mechanisms and causes behind hiccups and coughs differ significantly.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
In medical and lay contexts, "hiccup" is universally understood and widely used, whereas "hiccough" appears mostly in historical texts or in British English. This shift in preference highlights evolving language norms and the importance of phonetic spelling in English.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Educational materials, health information, and scientific research favor "hiccup" for clarity and consistency. "Hiccough" remains a curiosity, illustrating the quirks of English spelling and pronunciation history.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Comparison Chart
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Usage
Predominant in contemporary texts
Found in historical or British texts
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Feb 23, 2024
Relation to Physical Action
Directly mimics the sound of the action
Suggests an incorrect association with coughing
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Feb 23, 2024
Context of Use
Medical, educational, and informal contexts
Mostly literary or historical contexts
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Hiccup and Hiccough Definitions
Hiccup
Breathe spasmodically, and make a sound;
When you have to hiccup, drink a glass of cold water
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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Hiccough
Reflects historical spelling conventions.
Hiccough appears in classical literature.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Hiccup
A temporary minor problem or interruption.
The project faced a few hiccups in its early stages.
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Feb 23, 2024
Hiccough
Occasionally used in British English.
Hiccoughs can be as bothersome as hiccups.
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Feb 23, 2024
Hiccough
An older term for hiccup.
He searched for old remedies for hiccoughs.
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Feb 23, 2024
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Hiccup
A common, usually harmless condition.
Hiccups are often caused by eating too quickly.
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Feb 23, 2024
Hiccough
May imply a phonetic pronunciation.
She was puzzled by the spelling 'hiccough.'
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Feb 23, 2024
Hiccup
An involuntary spasm of the diaphragm.
She got the hiccups during the presentation.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Hiccough
Represents the same physiological phenomenon.
Hiccoughs stopped after drinking water.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Hiccup
A brief and involuntary contraction.
He tried holding his breath to stop the hiccups.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Hiccough
A spasm of the diaphragm resulting in a rapid, involuntary inhalation that is stopped by the sudden closure of the glottis and accompanied by a sharp, distinctive sound.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Hiccup
A spasm of the diaphragm resulting in a rapid, involuntary inhalation that is stopped by the sudden closure of the glottis and accompanied by a sharp, distinctive sound.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Hiccough
Hiccups also hiccoughs An attack of these spasms. Often used with the.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Hiccup
Hiccups also hiccoughs An attack of these spasms. Often used with the.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Hiccough
The sound made by such a spasm or a sound resembling it
"the urgent hiccup of a police siren" (John Updike).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Hiccup
The sound made by such a spasm or a sound resembling it
"the urgent hiccup of a police siren" (John Updike).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Hiccough
A usually minor setback, impediment, or difficulty; a hitch
"As long as the Fed remains fearful to act lest it be blamed for any economic hiccup, market uncertainty will continue" (Kevin Brady).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Hiccup
A usually minor setback, impediment, or difficulty; a hitch
"As long as the Fed remains fearful to act lest it be blamed for any economic hiccup, market uncertainty will continue" (Kevin Brady).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Hiccup
A spasm of the diaphragm, or the resulting sound.
There was a loud hiccup from the back of the room and the class erupted in laughter.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Hiccough
A modified respiratory movement; a spasmodic inspiration, consisting of a sudden contraction of the diaphragm, accompanied with closure of the glottis, so that further entrance of air is prevented, while the impulse of the column of air entering and striking upon the closed glottis produces a sound, or hiccough.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Hiccup
(informal) A minor setback.
There's been a slight hiccup in the processing of this quarter's results.
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Oct 19, 2023
Hiccough
(usually plural) the state of having reflex spasms of the diaphragm accompanied by a rapid closure of the glottis producing an audible sound; sometimes a symptom of indigestion;
How do you cure the hiccups?
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Oct 19, 2023
Hiccup
(transitive) To say with a hiccup.
"I haven't touched a drop, officer," the suspect hiccupped.
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Oct 19, 2023
Hiccough
Breathe spasmodically, and make a sound;
When you have to hiccup, drink a glass of cold water
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Oct 19, 2023
Hiccup
(intransitive) To produce an abortive sound like a hiccup.
The car engine hiccupped but wouldn't start.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Hiccup
(usually plural) the state of having reflex spasms of the diaphragm accompanied by a rapid closure of the glottis producing an audible sound; sometimes a symptom of indigestion;
How do you cure the hiccups?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is there a difference between hiccup and hiccough?
No, they refer to the same physical reaction; the difference is purely in spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Can hiccups/hiccoughs be serious?
They are usually benign and temporary, but persistent hiccups may require medical attention.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Why is "hiccup" more common than "hiccough"?
"Hiccup" more accurately reflects the sound of the action, making it the preferred modern spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
What causes hiccups/hiccoughs?
Sudden contractions of the diaphragm muscle, often triggered by eating too fast, excitement, or irritation.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Is "hiccough" considered incorrect?
Not incorrect, but "hiccup" is the preferred and more common spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
How long do hiccups/hiccoughs usually last?
Most last only a few minutes, but they can persist for longer in rare cases.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Do animals get hiccups/hiccoughs?
Yes, many mammals experience similar diaphragmatic spasms.
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Feb 23, 2024
What is the medical term for hiccups/hiccoughs?
Singultus, from Latin, meaning the act of catching one's breath while sobbing.
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Feb 23, 2024
How can hiccups/hiccoughs be stopped?
Common remedies include holding one's breath, drinking water, or being startled.
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Feb 23, 2024
Is there any cultural significance to hiccups/hiccoughs?
In some cultures, hiccups are associated with folklore, such as being thought of or talked about by someone else.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Is it possible to have hiccups/hiccoughs in sleep?
Yes, but they are less likely to be noticed or remembered upon waking.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Are hiccups/hiccoughs found in all age groups?
Yes, they can occur in people of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
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Feb 23, 2024
Can drinking carbonated beverages cause hiccups/hiccoughs?
Yes, they can trigger hiccups due to the ingestion of air.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Can stress cause hiccups/hiccoughs?
Yes, stress and excitement can trigger the diaphragm to spasm.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Are there any known medications to stop hiccups/hiccoughs?
No specific medication for hiccups, but certain drugs may be prescribed for persistent cases.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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