der Schluckauf, -e
hiccup · hiccups
Ein kurzer, plötzlicher Krampf im Körper, bei dem man oft ein kleines Geräusch macht und es schwer stoppen kann.
Definition & meaning
The noun der Schluckauf refers to the medical condition known as hiccups in English. It is an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm that causes a sudden closure of the glottis, resulting in the characteristic "hic" sound.
It can also be used figuratively to describe a temporary, minor problem or a short interruption in a process or flow (e.g., "a hiccup in the schedule").
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar: It is a masculine noun (der Schluckauf). The plural form is also die Schluckaufs, though it is frequently used as an uncountable noun in everyday speech.
Word origin: The word is a compound consisting of two parts:
- Schluck: derived from the verb schlucken (to swallow).
- auf: a particle that, in this context, implies an upward or sudden movement. Historically, the term reflects the sudden, gulping sensation that occurs during a hiccup.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- der Singultus (the technical medical term).
- das Hicks (a colloquial, onomatopoeic term used primarily by children).
Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms for a physiological reflex like the hiccup. However, in the figurative sense of a process running smoothly, one might contrast it with:
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Examples
Das Kind hat einen Schluckauf.noun
The child has a hiccup.
Wie bekommt man diesen lästigen Schluckauf wieder weg?noun
How do you get rid of these annoying hiccups?
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