Hiccup vs. Burp — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 20, 2024
"Hiccup" is a spasm of the diaphragm causing a quick inhalation, while "Burp" is the release of gas from the stomach through the mouth.
Difference Between Hiccup and Burp
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hiccups occur when the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, experiences involuntary spasms, leading to a sudden inhalation of air. This action causes the vocal cords to close abruptly, creating the characteristic "hic" sound. Whereas burping, also known as belching, involves the expulsion of gas from the stomach through the mouth. This gas buildup can result from swallowing air while eating or drinking, or as a byproduct of digestion.
The triggers for hiccups and burps differ significantly. Hiccups can be caused by factors unrelated to the digestive system, such as excitement or stress, while burping is primarily related to the digestive process and the intake of food or beverages. Hiccups are less within one's control and can be more unpredictable, often starting and stopping without clear reasons. On the other hand, burping can sometimes be induced or controlled, as it's directly related to the stomach's gas content.
Hiccups, while generally harmless, can become persistent or chronic, leading to discomfort and even health issues if they last for an extended period. Chronic hiccups may require medical attention to address underlying causes. Burping, however, is a normal physiological process and is not usually a sign of a health problem. Excessive or forceful burping can be a symptom of digestive issues, but occasional burping is considered normal and can provide relief from bloating or gas pressure.
The social and cultural perceptions of hiccups and burps also vary. Hiccups are often seen as a minor nuisance and can even be a source of amusement in social settings. In contrast, burping is considered rude or inappropriate in many cultures, especially if it's loud or occurs in public settings, though some cultures view it as a compliment to the chef or an indication of enjoying a meal.
In summary, while both hiccups and burps involve involuntary actions related to the diaphragm and the digestive system, they are distinct phenomena with different triggers, physiological processes, and social implications.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Involuntary spasm of the diaphragm leading to a sudden inhalation
Release of gas from the stomach through the mouth
Cause
Spasms of the diaphragm, possibly triggered by various external and internal factors
Gas buildup in the stomach, often from swallowing air or the digestion process
Control
Less controllable, can start and stop unpredictably
Can sometimes be induced or controlled
Duration and Effect
Can be brief or prolonged, usually harmless but potentially uncomfortable
Generally brief and relieving, rarely indicates a health problem
Social Perception
Often viewed as a minor nuisance or amusing
Considered rude in many cultures, but acceptable or even complimentary in others
Compare with Definitions
Hiccup
Involuntary diaphragm contraction.
She got the hiccups after laughing too hard.
Burp
Release of digestive gas through the mouth.
The baby burped after being fed.
Hiccup
Characterized by a 'hic' sound.
The sudden hiccup interrupted his speech.
Burp
Considered impolite in many social settings.
He apologized for burping at the dinner table.
Hiccup
Can be triggered by various factors.
Eating too quickly can sometimes cause hiccups.
Burp
Often related to the intake of food or beverages.
Drinking soda too quickly can make you burp.
Hiccup
Generally harmless but can be persistent.
He had a case of the hiccups that lasted all day.
Burp
Can be a sign of gas relief.
A loud burp signaled his relief from stomach discomfort.
Hiccup
Not directly related to the digestive process.
Sudden excitement triggered a bout of hiccups.
Burp
Usually controllable and predictable.
She knew how to burp the baby to avoid gas pains.
Hiccup
A hiccup (also spelled hiccough) is an involuntary contraction (myoclonic jerk) of the diaphragm that may repeat several times per minute. The hiccup is an involuntary action involving a reflex arc.
Burp
A belch.
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.
Burp
A brief sharp sound
The burp of antiaircraft fire.
Hiccup
Hiccups also hiccoughs An attack of these spasms. Often used with the.
Burp
To belch.
Hiccup
The sound made by such a spasm or a sound resembling it
"the urgent hiccup of a police siren" (John Updike).
Burp
To make brief sharp sounds
"Radio noises burped from the front of the cabin" (Jonathan Kellerman).
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).
Burp
To cause (a baby) to expel gas from the stomach, as by patting the back after feeding.
Hiccup
To make a hiccup or a sound like a hiccup.
Burp
A belch.
Lennon let out a deep, proud burp after downing the beer.
Hiccup
To have an attack of hiccups.
Burp
(intransitive) To emit a burp.
Burping is considered impolite in most western cultures.
My dad used to burp to hide the fact he was farting.
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.
Burp
(transitive) To utter by burping
Stevie intends to burp the alphabet at the school talent show.
Hiccup
(by extension) Any spasm or sudden change.
Burp
(transitive) To cause someone (such as a baby) to burp.
Hiccup
(informal) A minor setback.
There's been a slight hiccup in the processing of this quarter's results.
Burp
(transitive) To open (a container of fermenting substance) to allow the release of accumulated gas.
Hiccup
(intransitive) To produce a hiccup; have the hiccups.
Burp
To same as belch; as, In China it is polite to burp at the table.
Hiccup
(transitive) To say with a hiccup.
"I haven't touched a drop, officer," the suspect hiccupped.
Burp
To cause to belch; - used especially of actions parents take to relieve stomach gas in infants; as, mother fed and burped the baby, and put her to bed.
Hiccup
(intransitive) To produce an abortive sound like a hiccup.
The car engine hiccupped but wouldn't start.
Burp
A reflex that expels wind noisily from the stomach through the mouth.
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?
Burp
A reflex that expels wind noisily from the stomach through the mouth
Hiccup
Breathe spasmodically, and make a sound;
When you have to hiccup, drink a glass of cold water
Burp
Expel gas from the stomach;
In China it is polite to burp at the table
Common Curiosities
What causes hiccups and burps?
Hiccups are caused by spasms of the diaphragm, while burps result from the release of gas from the stomach.
Are hiccups harmful?
Hiccups are usually harmless but can be uncomfortable and, in rare cases, indicate an underlying health issue if persistent.
Is it rude to burp in public?
In many cultures, burping in public is considered rude, though it is acceptable or even complimentary in some societies.
How can you stop hiccups?
There are various home remedies for stopping hiccups, such as holding one's breath, but persistent hiccups might require medical attention.
Is it possible to hiccup and burp at the same time?
While unusual, it's possible to experience a burp shortly before or after a hiccup due to simultaneous processes in the diaphragm and stomach.
Can you control burps?
Burps can sometimes be controlled or induced, unlike hiccups, which are more unpredictable.
Why do we burp more after drinking carbonated beverages?
Carbonated beverages release carbon dioxide gas, which can build up in the stomach and lead to more frequent burping.
Can hiccups be a sign of something serious?
While rare, persistent or chronic hiccups can be a symptom of a more serious underlying health condition and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Is burping a voluntary action?
Burping can be both involuntary and voluntary, as some people can induce burping to relieve gas pressure.
Do all cultures view burping the same way?
Cultural perceptions of burping vary widely, with some viewing it as rude and others as a normal or even complimentary act.
Can infants hiccup and burp?
Yes, infants commonly hiccup and burp, and both are usually normal parts of their digestive process.
Can anxiety cause hiccups?
Yes, stress and anxiety can trigger hiccups in some individuals due to their effect on the body and the diaphragm.
How long can hiccups last?
Most hiccups go away within a few minutes to hours, but in rare cases, they can persist for days or longer, requiring medical intervention.
Why do hiccups come suddenly?
Hiccups can come on suddenly due to a variety of triggers, including emotional stress, excitement, or physical factors like eating too quickly.
Are there any remedies for excessive burping?
Eating and drinking slowly, avoiding carbonated drinks, and not chewing gum can help reduce excessive burping.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
