What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hiccup
Example
He had a bad case of hiccups after drinking too much soda. [hiccup: noun]
Example
She hiccuped loudly and apologized for the interruption. [hiccuped: verb]
burp
Example
Excuse me, I need to burp after drinking this soda. [burp: verb]
Example
He let out a loud burp at the dinner table, which made everyone uncomfortable. [burp: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Burp is more commonly used than hiccup in everyday language. Burp is a more versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while hiccup is less common and mainly used to describe the bodily function.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hiccup and burp?
Hiccup and burp are both informal words that are not appropriate for formal writing or speech. However, hiccup may be slightly more formal than burp due to its less frequent use in everyday language.