"Cough candy" is a common term used to refer to throat lozenges used for relieving coughs. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the phonetic transcription for "cough candy" is /kɒf ˈkændi/. This spells out the vowel sound in "cough" as /ɒ/ and the consonant sounds in "candy" as /kændi/. The word is spelled using the letter "c" to represent the first sound in "cough" and the letter "y" to represent the final sound in "candy". By using this spelling, the word clearly depicts the two separate words that constitute its meaning.
A cough candy, also known as a cough drop, is a small medicinal confectionery intended for soothing an irritated throat, assisting in relieving cough symptoms, and clearing nasal passages. It is typically available in lozenge or hard candy form and commonly contains ingredients such as menthol, eucalyptus oil, honey, lemon, or other natural extracts known for their cough suppressing or soothing properties.
Cough candies are formulated to provide a temporary relief from cough symptoms associated with various respiratory conditions such as the common cold, bronchitis, or allergies. When consumed, these candies gradually dissolve in the mouth, allowing the active ingredients to be released and provide a cooling sensation, throat numbing effect, and soothing properties. The menthol or eucalyptus oil contained in cough candies is often used to alleviate nasal congestion by clearing the air passages and promoting easier breathing.
Due to their effectiveness in providing temporary relief, cough candies have become a popular go-to remedy for individuals seeking quick and convenient relief from coughing, particularly when experiencing minor throat irritation and dry cough. However, cough candies should not be considered a long-term solution or a substitute for proper medical treatment if persistent or severe cough symptoms persist. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive diagnosis and appropriate treatment if persistent or worsening cough symptoms are experienced.
The term "cough candy" is a compound word that combines the noun "cough" with the noun "candy". The etymology of "cough" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled "cohhian" or "cohhettan", meaning to cough or to defend. The word "candy", on the other hand, has its roots in the late 13th century Middle English word "candi" or "candy", derived from the Old French word "candi", which originally referred to sugar. Consequently, "cough candy" refers to a type of candy that is specifically designed to alleviate or suppress coughing.