Hiccup
/ˈhɪk.ʌp/noun
An involuntary spasm of the diaphragm that produces a sudden sound; also a minor temporary setback.
Did you know?Unlike words like mortgage or disaster, hiccup does not have a securely documented ancient occult root; its history is murky, but the word’s form imitates the sound of the spasm itself, which is why it feels so uncanny.
Etymological Timeline
Early 17th Century
English
hiccough / hiccup
“A convulsive catching of the breath, named in imitation of the sound”
17th–18th Century
English
hiccough
“The older spelling, later influenced by the spelling of cough”
19th Century
English
hiccup
“A simplified spelling that became standard in everyday use”
Modern English
English
hiccup
“An involuntary diaphragm spasm; by extension, a minor interruption or setback”