What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hiccough
Example
He couldn't stop the hiccoughs no matter what he tried. [hiccoughs: noun]
Example
She hiccoughed loudly after drinking the soda too quickly. [hiccoughed: verb]
hiccup
Example
He had a bad case of the hiccups after eating the spicy food. [hiccups: noun]
Example
She hiccuped several times during the presentation, causing some distraction. [hiccuped: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hiccup is more commonly used than hiccough in everyday language, especially in American English. Hiccough is less common and mostly used in British English or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hiccough and hiccup?
Both hiccough and hiccup are considered informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
