Noun
/hí.po/
The word "hipo" refers to an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm followed by a quick closure of the vocal cords, which produces a characteristic sound. In Spanish, it is commonly used in both oral and written contexts. The frequency of use is relatively high in everyday conversation, especially when discussing minor ailments or physiological reactions. It is more frequently heard in informal settings.
El hipo me molestó durante toda la cena.
(The hiccup bothered me throughout dinner.)
Cuando tengo hipo, trato de beber agua rápidamente.
(When I have hiccups, I try to drink water quickly.)
El hipo generalmente desaparece solo después de unos minutos.
(The hiccup usually goes away on its own after a few minutes.)
While "hipo" isn’t a common element of many idiomatic expressions, there are a few informal phrases where it appears:
Hicieron un 'hipo' en el cine y no se perdió nada.
(They made a 'hiccup' in the cinema and didn't miss anything.)
Después de un hipo, uno siempre dice que ha visto a un fantasma.
(After a hiccup, one always says they've seen a ghost.)
These expressions often take a humorous or light-hearted approach when referring to missteps or unanticipated occurrences.
The word "hipo" comes from the Latin word "hypopē," which refers to the same phenomenon. Its usage has been consistent throughout the development of the Spanish language.
Synonyms: - Espasmo (spasm) - Contracción (contraction)
Antonyms: - Relajación (relaxation) - Calma (calmness)
In summary, "hipo" is a straightforward term that refers to hiccups, often encountered in casual conversation with relatively frequent use. It's noteworthy that while "hipo" may not feature prominently in idioms, it is still utilized in humorous contexts.