What exactly is a hiccup, and why do they happen?

Hiccups are a strange part of not just human anatomy, but according to COSMOS Magazine, cats, rats, rabbits and dogs.

Science Journalist, Ellen Phiddian, told 6PR Mornings presenter Liam Barlett that only certain animals get hiccups.

“Hiccups come from a muscle called the diaphragm, which sits under your lungs,” she explained.

“When that spasms, it draws all of this air into your lungs very suddenly, and then it makes your throat snap shut,

“You can do different things that trigger hiccups, like drinking something alcoholic or eating something spicy.”

Tap PLAY to hear where the science stands on hiccups.