Why do people get hiccups?

Many people have suffered an embarrassing moment because of hiccups, for they occur without warning. Hiccups occur when the diaphragm, a muscle which is located between the lungs and the abdomen, draws air into the lungs in sudden, jerky movements. When air rushes into the lungs, the vocal cords close, restricting the airflow. The sound of the hiccup is caused by the air striking the vocal cords.