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hoquet

hiccup

noun oh-KEH Rare

Usage Note

Hoquet is almost always used in the singular for the physical reflex (avoir le hoquet — to have the hiccups), but English speakers should note that French uses the singular even when English says 'hiccups'. The h is aspirate, so no liaison: le hoquet, never l'hoquet. The verb hoqueter means 'to hiccup' or, figuratively, 'to splutter'.

Examples

"Il avait le hoquet depuis une heure."

Natural Translation

He had had the hiccups for an hour.

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