What does hic mean?
“Hic” is an interjection and noun associated with a hiccup. As an interjection, it imitates the short, abrupt sound that often begins a hiccup, and it can be used in conversation or prose to reproduce that sound or indicate an interruption caused by one. As a noun, a “hic” is a single hiccup or the sound made by it. The everyday standard noun is “hiccup,” so “hic” often has a playful or literary flavour, although it is fully understood in both British and American English. Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm followed by sudden closure of the vocal folds. The word is especially memorable for capturing the first syllable of “hiccup” and is often used when a character’s speech is interrupted by one.
An imitation of the short sound made at the beginning of a hiccup.
"He began to answer, then paused with a nervous “hic” before continuing."
Informal and imitative; it may be placed on its own or within a sentence.
A single involuntary hiccup or the sound produced by one.
"She silenced one final hic before going on stage."
More literary or playful than the standard everyday noun “hiccup.”
The plural is grammatical but uncommon in ordinary use because “hiccups” is much more frequent.
"A few nervous hics passed before she started speaking."
A single “hic” is a hiccup caught in its opening syllable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hic come from?
“Hic” developed in the 19th century as an independent form derived from “hiccup,” which was already established in English. The sound is imitative rather than a direct borrowing from a classical language. Its history is therefore closely tied to the older onomatopoeic word “hiccup,” from which modern speakers usually retain the full form.
How hic is actually used
The interjection is informal and most often imitates a hiccup in speech or writing. As a noun, “hic” is somewhat literary or playful, while “hiccup” is the usual everyday word.
Easily confused with hic
A hick is a person regarded as unsophisticated or uncultured, whereas a hic is a short involuntary sound associated with a hiccup.