Hiccup vs. Hiccough — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 8, 2024
Hiccup is the common spelling for the involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, while hiccough is an older, less used variant that phonetically mimics the sound.
Difference Between Hiccup and Hiccough
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hiccup refers to the sudden, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm followed by the closing of the vocal cords, which produces the characteristic "hic" sound. This reflex is usually benign and temporary. Hiccough, on the other hand, represents an older spelling of the same term, often perceived as a phonetic attempt to replicate the sound of the action. While both terms describe the same physical phenomenon, "hiccup" is the preferred spelling in modern English usage.
Despite the same physiological process they describe, the choice between "hiccup" and "hiccough" can reflect one's adherence to traditional language or preference for contemporary usage. Hiccup is widely accepted and used in medical and lay language due to its straightforward spelling that closely matches its pronunciation. Hiccough, however, is less common and might be found in older texts, emphasizing a period where spellings were more closely tied to the perceived sounds of words.
In educational settings, "hiccup" is taught as the correct term for the diaphragmatic spasm, aligning with modern spelling conventions and scientific terminology. Hiccough, while understood, is often regarded as an archaic or less scientifically accurate representation of the term. This distinction highlights the evolution of language and medical terminology over time.
On a practical level, when discussing medical or health-related issues, professionals and laypeople alike use "hiccup" for clarity and to avoid confusion. The spelling "hiccough" might appear in literary or historical contexts, where it serves to evoke a specific era or stylistic choice rather than to convey medical information.
While "hiccup" and "hiccough" refer to the same sudden, involuntary diaphragmatic contraction, their usage diverges based on context, preference for modern versus traditional language, and the desire for clarity in communication. "Hiccup" remains the dominant form in both everyday and professional language, reflecting current spelling and pronunciation standards.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Involuntary contraction of the diaphragm.
Older spelling for the same involuntary diaphragm contraction.
Pronunciation
Matches its spelling: /ˈhɪkʌp/.
Suggests an alternative pronunciation: /ˈhɪkəf/.
Usage
Preferred in modern English, both in everyday and medical contexts.
Less common, considered archaic or literary.
Origin of Spelling
Reflects a more phonetic approach to the sound produced.
Attempts to mimic the sound of the action, though less phonetically accurate.
Contextual Preference
Used universally in contemporary discussions on the subject.
May appear in historical texts or for stylistic purposes.
Compare with Definitions
Hiccup
Spelling reflects contemporary language norms.
Hiccup is now the standard spelling in medical textbooks.
Hiccough
An older, less common spelling for hiccup.
In the 19th-century novel, the character suffered from a hiccough.
Hiccup
A common term for the reflex action of the diaphragm.
After drinking soda too quickly, she got a hiccup.
Hiccough
Less preferred in modern medical and educational settings.
Teachers advise using hiccup instead of hiccough in essays.
Hiccup
Describes a sudden, involuntary diaphragmatic spasm.
The doctor explained that a hiccup is usually harmless.
Hiccough
Sometimes used to evoke an archaic or literary tone.
The poet described his heart's sudden hiccough of fear.
Hiccup
Used in both lay and medical contexts.
The pediatrician provided tips to stop the baby's hiccup.
Hiccough
May be found in discussions emphasizing traditional language.
The linguist compared hiccough with its modern counterpart.
Hiccup
Indicates a brief and minor interruption.
The presentation had a hiccup when the projector failed.
Hiccough
Reflects historical approaches to English spelling.
Hiccough appears in older medical literature.
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.
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.
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.
Hiccough
Hiccups also hiccoughs An attack of these spasms. Often used with the.
Hiccup
Hiccups also hiccoughs An attack of these spasms. Often used with the.
Hiccough
The sound made by such a spasm or a sound resembling it
"the urgent hiccup of a police siren" (John Updike).
Hiccup
The sound made by such a spasm or a sound resembling it
"the urgent hiccup of a police siren" (John Updike).
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).
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).
Hiccough
To make a hiccup or a sound like a hiccup.
Hiccup
To make a hiccup or a sound like a hiccup.
Hiccough
To have an attack of hiccups.
Hiccup
To have an attack of hiccups.
Hiccough
Alternative spelling of hiccup
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.
Hiccough
(dated) hiccup
Hiccup
(by extension) Any spasm or sudden change.
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.
Hiccup
(informal) A minor setback.
There's been a slight hiccup in the processing of this quarter's results.
Hiccough
To have a hiccough or hiccoughs.
Hiccup
(intransitive) To produce a hiccup; have the hiccups.
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?
Hiccup
(transitive) To say with a hiccup.
"I haven't touched a drop, officer," the suspect hiccupped.
Hiccough
Breathe spasmodically, and make a sound;
When you have to hiccup, drink a glass of cold water
Hiccup
(intransitive) To produce an abortive sound like a hiccup.
The car engine hiccupped but wouldn't start.
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?
Hiccup
Breathe spasmodically, and make a sound;
When you have to hiccup, drink a glass of cold water
Common Curiosities
Is there any difference in meaning between hiccup and hiccough?
No, both terms describe the same physical reflex; the difference lies only in spelling and usage preference.
What is a hiccup/hiccough?
A hiccup or hiccough is an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm followed by a rapid closure of the vocal cords, creating the characteristic "hic" sound.
Why are there two spellings for hiccup?
"Hiccup" is the modern spelling, while "hiccough" is an older variant that phonetically tried to mimic the sound of the action.
Which spelling is preferred, hiccup or hiccough?
"Hiccup" is the preferred spelling in contemporary English, both in everyday use and in medical contexts.
Are hiccups/hiccoughs harmful?
Hiccups are usually harmless and temporary, but persistent hiccups may require medical attention.
How can hiccups/hiccoughs be stopped?
Remedies vary, including holding one's breath, drinking water, or being startled, but effectiveness can differ among individuals.
Can "hiccough" still be used today?
While "hiccough" can still be understood, it is considered archaic and is less commonly used than "hiccup."
How often do language preferences change like with hiccup/hiccough?
Language evolves continuously, influenced by cultural changes, technological advancements, and preferences in communication.
What should I do if I encounter "hiccough" in a text?
Understanding "hiccough" as an older spelling of "hiccup" is sufficient, recognizing it refers to the same phenomenon.
Do hiccup and hiccough have the same pronunciation?
Despite the spelling differences, "hiccup" is commonly pronounced as /ˈhɪkʌp/, and "hiccough" is often pronounced the same way, although its spelling might suggest /ˈhɪkəf/.
Is "hiccough" considered incorrect?
Not incorrect, but "hiccough" is less preferred due to its archaic nature and the evolution of language preferences.
Are there any famous literary references to hiccoughs?
Yes, older literature may use "hiccough" for stylistic reasons or to reflect the language norms of the time.
Why is "hiccup" preferred in medical literature?
"Hiccup" is preferred for its clear phonetic spelling and its alignment with modern medical terminology.
Can "hiccup" also refer to non-medical interruptions?
Yes, metaphorically, "hiccup" can describe any small and usually temporary disruption in a process or event.
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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
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
