hiccup etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: hiccup, from Old English: hicce
  • Proto-Germanic: *hikkō
  • Proto-Indo-European: *kik-

Meaning:

  • A sudden, involuntary spasm of the diaphragm that causes a short, sharp intake of breath accompanied by a characteristic sound.

Origin:

The word "hiccup" is an onomatopoeia and is believed to have originated from the sound that the involuntary spasm of the diaphragm makes. The Proto-Germanic root hikkō is also the origin of words like "hickey" and "hiccough."

Historical Usage:

  • In the 14th century, the word "hiccup" was used to refer to a sudden fit of coughing or sneezing.
  • By the 16th century, the term had shifted to its current meaning, specifically referring to the involuntary spasm of the diaphragm.
  • The term "hiccough" was initially used interchangeably with "hiccup" but became less common in modern English usage.

hiccup relate terms

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    Etymology Middle English hiccup from Old English hicce Proto Germanic hikkō Proto

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