French word

hic

Pronunciation

IPA/ik/

Meaning

  • masculine nounhitch

Example

Il y a un hic avec la livraison.

There is a hitch with the delivery.

Illustration for hic (hitch)

More examples

On a eu un hic avec le logiciel hier.

We had a snag with the software yesterday.

Core concept

A small snag appearing mid-process and briefly stopping smooth progress.

Common phrases

  • avoir un hic

    have a snag

  • un petit hic

    a minor snag

Similar words

problème: A problem that interferes with progress or smooth processing.
pépin: A small fault or trouble that briefly stops progress.
accroc: A minor hitch affecting a plan or procedure.

Definition in French

Obstacle ponctuel, souvent mineur, qui empêche partiellement le bon déroulement d'une opération.

Word origin

The noun hic comes from the interjection hic, a sound imitation for a brief interruption that became a word for a minor obstacle.

Usage tips

  • Hic is masculine, so the standard phrase is 'un hic', as in 'Il y a un hic avec la livraison'.

Other meanings

  • snagnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word