hicka
common gender
The English phrase 'hiccups' is translated into Swedish as hicka.
hicka is the noun used to describe the condition of having hiccup spasms. While English speakers say they 'have' the hiccups, Swedish speakers often use the verb 'få' (to get) to describe the onset of the condition, as in 'få hicka'.
Meaning: the condition of having hiccup spasms (noun)
Did you know?
- A traditional Swedish cure for hicka involves drinking water from the 'wrong side' of the glass by leaning forward and sipping from the far rim.
- The word hicka is an onomatopoeia, meaning the spelling and sound of the word are designed to mimic the actual noise of a hiccup.
- In Swedish, the word hicka can be used as a verb meaning 'to hiccup', but it is also used as a colloquial term for a sudden, jerky movement or a stumble in a process.
Examples in context
- Hon har hickaShe has the hiccupsThis sentence is useful for seeing how to express that someone has hicka.
- Hon lider av singultus på grund av stress.She is experiencing hiccups due to stress.
- Hicka kan vara väldigt irriterande.Hiccups can be very irritating.
Example conversation
Linnea and Karl are talking in the kitchen.
- LinneaVarför dricker du så mycket vatten, Karl?Why are you drinking so much water, Karl?
- KarlJag har fått hicka.I have got the hiccups.
- LinneaHjälper det att dricka vatten?Does drinking water help?
- KarlJa, jag tror att min hicka försvann nu.Yes, I think my hiccups disappeared now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hiccups” translations and entries hicka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
