Sound of a drinker in comics

HIC

This onomatopoeic noise often follows a character swallowing too quickly or holding their breath after a big gulp. Think of the short, involuntary sound that interrupts speech.

In comics, sounds are often written out for effect, like "BOOM" or "CRASH." The clue refers to the noise a tipsy character might make—"HIC"—which mimics the sound of a hiccup, something drinkers (especially those who’ve had too much) are known for. It’s a playful way to hint at both the sound and the context without spelling it out directly.