hiccough

Everyday

1. An old spelling of «hiccup»: a sudden, sharp «hic» sound when a muscle under your lungs (the diaphragm) jerks and makes you breathe in. tree →
2. (hiccoughs / hiccups) A short spell of these sounds one after another. tree →
3. A small problem or delay: «a hiccough in our plans». tree →

In the lessons

The spelling «hiccough» is found in older books; today most people write «hiccup». In science, hiccups come from the diaphragm tightening suddenly; they usually stop by themselves. Myths say a fright cures them – not proven. Phrases: «have (the) hiccups», «a slight hiccough».

Examples

• I got hiccoughs after drinking my fizzy drink too fast. tree →
• He hiccoughed all through the school assembly. tree →
• The old book spells hiccup as «hiccough». tree →
• My little brother tried to scare away my hiccoughs. tree →
• There was a small hiccough with the bus, but we arrived on time. tree →
• Hiccoughs happen when your diaphragm jerks. tree →

Note

Spelling trap: «hiccough» is said exactly like «hiccup» («HIK-up»), not like «cough». Prefer «hiccup» in your own writing. Plural: hiccoughs/hiccups.