The spelling of the word "hiccof" (or "hiccup" in standard English) is influenced by its pronunciation. According to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription, "hiccof" is pronounced as /ˈhɪk.ʌp/. The "h" and "k" sounds demonstrate the abrupt and involuntary contraction of the diaphragm muscle that characterizes a hiccup. The "u" sound is also representative of the short gasping sound made during a hiccup. The spelling "hiccof" may seem non-standard, but it accurately reflects the sounds of this common biological function.