Everyone gets the hiccups. We don't always know what causes the event, but we do know something about the sound it makes. We make the "hic" sound when our diaphragm muscles spasm. This changes our normal breathing pattern.

When you take more air into the diaphragm, it expands as a result. Your mouth and throat try to prevent the air from coming back up. It becomes almost a tug-of-war between the two systems. When the rush of air hits your vocal cords, though, your muscles contract in response. That forces the air out - the hiccup.

People have tried many different things to "cure" the hiccups. Some say tilting your head forward will work. Others recommend taking a spoonful of sugar. Still others think a fright will calm you down enough for them to stop. You can choose any way you want.