Old English:
* "hic" - This is a sound that likely mimicked the sound of a hiccup itself.
* "huc" - This word referred to "a sudden involuntary sound."
Middle English:
* "hick" - This form was a blend of the Old English terms, still referring to the sound.
* "hiccup" - A combination of "hick" and "up" emerged, possibly referencing the sudden "up" movement of the diaphragm associated with a hiccup.
Modern English:
* "hiccough" - The spelling evolved over time, likely influenced by the French word "hoquet."
Interestingly, the word "hiccup" is a more recent invention, while "hiccough" is the older form. Both are considered correct today, but "hiccup" is more common in modern usage.
The French Connection:
The French word "hoquet" likely originated from a similar imitative word, suggesting the international nature of how we perceive and name this common bodily phenomenon.
So, the origin of "hiccough" is a mix of onomatopoeia (imitation of sound) and a descriptive element, capturing the essence of the involuntary spasm that makes us say "hic!"