hiccup: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to neutral in both literal and figurative uses.
Quick answer
What does “hiccup” mean?
A sudden, involuntary spasm of the diaphragm, producing a sharp, gulping sound from the throat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sudden, involuntary spasm of the diaphragm, producing a sharp, gulping sound from the throat.
A minor, temporary problem, setback, or interruption in a process, plan, or system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. Spelling is identical. The archaic 'hiccough' is marginally more common in British historical texts.
Connotations
Identical. Both consider the figurative use standard for minor, non-serious issues.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties in all senses.
Grammar
How to Use “hiccup” in a Sentence
[SBJ] have/get hiccups[SBJ] hiccup (VERB)There was a hiccup in [PROCESS/SYSTEM][EVENT] went off without a hiccupVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hiccup” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The baby started to hiccup after her feed.
- He hiccuped violently during the quiet ceremony.
American English
- She hiccuped twice and then it stopped.
- The engine hiccuped briefly before running smoothly.
adverb
British English
- (Rare/Non-standard; would use verb form)
American English
- (Rare/Non-standard; would use verb form)
adjective
British English
- A hiccup cure involving sugar is popular.
- We're in a hiccup phase with the new software.
American English
- She tried a hiccup remedy she saw online.
- The project hit a hiccup moment last week.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common: 'We experienced a minor hiccup with the supply chain.'
Academic
Rare; considered too informal for formal writing.
Everyday
Very common for both the physical condition and minor problems.
Technical
Used informally in IT/engineering for minor, transient faults.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hiccup”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hiccup”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hiccup”
- Using it for major problems (e.g., *'a major hiccup in the peace negotiations' – use 'setback' or 'obstacle').
- Misspelling as 'hiccough' in modern contexts.
- Using non-count form for singular event: *'We had hiccup.' (Correct: 'We had a hiccup.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Hiccup' is the standard modern spelling. 'Hiccough' is an archaic variant based on a folk etymology linking it to 'cough'. It is best avoided.
No. Its figurative use strongly implies a minor, temporary, and often surmountable issue. Using it for a major crisis would be an understatement and sound odd.
For the noun: both 'hiccup' (singular event) and 'hiccups' (plural events or a bout of the condition) are used. You 'have a hiccup' (one spasm) or 'have the hiccups' (the condition). For the verb, the past tense is 'hiccuped' or 'hiccupped' (both accepted).
It is neutral and perfectly acceptable in professional spoken contexts and informal writing. It is generally considered too informal for formal academic or legal documents.
A sudden, involuntary spasm of the diaphragm, producing a sharp, gulping sound from the throat.
Hiccup: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪk.ʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪk.əp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not a hiccup (used to emphasize smoothness: 'The launch went off without a hiccup.')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Hic-cup sounds like 'hic' (the sound) + 'cup' (you might drink water from a cup to stop it).
Conceptual Metaphor
A PROBLEM IS A PHYSICAL SPASM / INTERRUPTION IS A BODILY GLITCH.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'hiccup' LEAST appropriate?