hiccup

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hiccup" is correct and can be used in written English.
When used as a noun, it refers to a disruption of breathing that results in a spasmodic inhalation with a closure of the glottis that produces the characteristic sound. For example, "She had a hiccup every few minutes".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The National Farmers Federationn also called for "sensibilities to prevail" amid concerns the "unfortunate hiccup" over the Israel-Palestine dispute could affect trade.

The Guardian

A hiccup was bound to come at some point for this 'run and gun' Port Adelaide side and with four losses in the last five rounds they've been struck most remorselessly by the reality bus.

The Guardian - Sport

There followed a slight hiccup: defeat to Hereford United in the FA Cup, their embarrassment spared by the absence of cameras.

The Guardian - Sport

It is an unfortunate hiccup," Finlay said.

The Guardian

It did not, however, take steps to offset the impact of the financial hiccup on growth expectations.Markets reacted.

The Economist

There was a hiccup when an Israeli newspaper leaked details, but both sides seemed to feel that a deal was possible.

The Economist

For years, therefore, they concentrated on improving the infrastructure of the market, making sure that deals were well documented or settled through a central clearing house (something yet to be achieved for CDSs).The biggest hiccup in the growth of the derivatives markets came after the 1987 stockmarket crash, when a technique known as portfolio insurance took a lot of the blame.

The Economist

In particular, they accuse SCIRI's militias, the Badr Brigades, of sectarian murders and of torturing Sunni detainees.But the political mood may be improving, despite a hiccup this week due to the murder of two peace-minded Sunni Arabs: Mijbal Issa was one of 15 co-opted on to the 55-strong drafting committee; the other was one of ten Sunni Arab observers on it.

The Economist

While the supply remains tight any political or meteorological hiccup in a producing country (and there always seems to be at least one) will resonate through the markets.Three other factors will add to the uncertainty.

The Economist

That comes mostly in the form of investment-management fees.In this section Inglorious isolation Against the odds Feeding expectations Leaky barrels Fragile no more Data dump The great hiccup Valuing the long-beaked echidna ReprintsBut these costs are only the beginning.

The Economist

A POLISH art student provoked a hiccup in the often difficult relations between his nation and Russia last week.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hiccup" to describe a minor setback, ensure the context clearly indicates the disruption is temporary and not a major crisis. For example, "There was a slight "hiccup" in the project timeline, but we are back on track."

Common error

Avoid using "hiccup" to describe serious or long-lasting problems. This can downplay the severity of the issue and mislead your audience. A more appropriate term would be "crisis", "setback", or "complication".

Linguistic Context

The word "hiccup" functions as both a noun, denoting a spasm or minor setback, and a verb, signifying the act of experiencing hiccups. Ludwig AI confirms this dual functionality, showing its flexibility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hiccup" is a versatile term used as both a noun and a verb, primarily to describe minor setbacks or the physiological experience of having hiccups. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While the term is generally neutral, more formal synonyms like "minor setback" or "temporary delay" might be preferable in certain professional or academic contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, "hiccup" effectively communicates a transient disruption without overstating its importance. Be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor setback

Focuses on the hindering aspect, emphasizing a temporary delay or obstacle.

slight disruption

Highlights the interruption of a process or flow, suitable for describing minor disturbances.

temporary glitch

Implies a technical or system-related problem that is not expected to last.

brief interruption

Underscores the short duration of the disturbance.

passing spasm

Refers to a sudden, involuntary contraction, applicable in both literal and figurative senses.

small hitch

Suggests a minor problem that needs to be resolved, but is not critical.

momentary falter

Emphasizes a brief loss of strength or effectiveness.

fleeting difficulty

Highlights the transient nature of the problem.

minor inconvenience

Focuses on the annoyance or trouble caused by the event.

short delay

Specifies the temporal aspect of the disruption, emphasizing its brevity.

FAQs

How to use "hiccup" in a sentence?

You can use "hiccup" as a noun to refer to a minor setback, like in "There was a slight hiccup in our plans". Or as a verb to describe experiencing hiccups, as in "I couldn't stop hiccuping after drinking soda".

What can I say instead of "hiccup" when referring to a minor setback?

You can use alternatives like "minor setback", "slight disruption", or "temporary glitch" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "hiccup" in a formal context?

While "hiccup" is generally understood, in highly formal or professional settings, alternatives like "minor setback" or "temporary delay" might be more suitable.

When is it not appropriate to use the word "hiccup"?

Avoid using "hiccup" when describing a serious or long-lasting problem. Using it in such situations can downplay the severity of the situation. More appropriate terms would be "crisis", "setback", or "complication".