Medically and colloquially, a sudden, spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm followed by an involuntary closure of the glottis (the space between your vocal cords) produces a distinctive sound: a sharp intake of breath, then an abrupt halt, then a noisy release .
(the older, more phonetic spelling) dates back to the 16th century. It’s onomatopoeic—the word sounds like the action. “Hic” mimics the inhalation stop, and “cup” mimics the small, gulping release. “Hic” mimics the inhalation stop, and “cup” mimics
Hiccups can be triggered by various factors, such as: “Hic” mimics the inhalation stop
So, the next time you or someone you know experiences a hiccup or hiccough, you'll know the science behind it and have some handy remedies to alleviate the discomfort. And who knows, you might even impress your friends with your knowledge of this intriguing word! and “cup” mimics the small