What does sic mean?

From our traffic logs, it looks like twenty-nine people have ended up at this site after entering the query “what does sic mean?” into a search engine. As an aid to others following in their tracks:

Thus; so. Used to indicate that a quoted passage, especially one containing an error or unconventional spelling, has been retained in its original form or written intentionally.

That from Atomica. And further:

Date: ca. 1859 : intentionally so written; used after a printed word or passage to indicate that it is intended exactly as printed or to indicate that it exactly reproduces an original <~said he seed [sic] it all>

That from the secret PEI Provincial Library Service Online Reference for which you need a PEI library card number to access (hint: PEI library card numbers appear to all start with 2 3392 and are 14 digits long).

Saturday, December 15, 2001 - 11:42am

Comments

Frances on December 15, 2001

From Library Technologies, Inc. Website: “Many different barcode schemes are used in business and industry. The Universal Product Code (UPC), now ubiquitous in supermarkets as a means to control inventory and pricing, is perhaps the best known barcode symbology. Only two barcode symbologies are commonly used in libraries: Codabar (or Code-A-Bar) and Code 39 (or Code 3 of 9). In library applications, Codabar generally consists of a string of 14 digits. The first digit represents a patron or item. That is, a first digit of ‘2’ tells the circulation software that a patron number is being scanned; the number ‘3’ signifies that an item is being scanned. The next four digits (digits 2 through 5) are the institutional identifier. The local system vendor either assigns this number or the library can make up its own institution code. For example, the library might use the last four digits of its telephone number or the last four digits in its extended nine-digit ZIP code. The next eight digits (digits 6 through 13) define the sequence ID number. Most smart barcode sequences begin with the number 1

Mike on June 7, 2003

Hey Dumbass…What does a discussion on “barcodes” have to do with the question at hand? Which is “What does sic mean?”

Gomar on June 14, 2003

Wow, It is interesting how this site has been up for several years (I’m assuming from the date of the barcode post) and I just discovered it and Mike only just 7 days ago posted something else… Does this mean no one else cares? Or no one else has stumbled across the site! I’m happy I now know the meaning of sic ;-)

DH on July 21, 2003

I am happy to know the mean of [sic] as well. If I had known sooner, I could have used it in a college English paper that I wrote, in which I quoted someone verbatim, only to be reprimanded for poor punctuation (although I still got an “A”). I knew that it was incorrect punctuation when I inserted it, but I hoped the teacher would understand that it was an exact quote. Live and learn.

gabe on July 21, 2003

this is most interesting…

majestik on July 22, 2003

Woah. I stumbled across this by searching for “What does [sic] mean?” in gogle after seeing it used in an e-mail featuresd on the TechTV Cable show called Unscrewed. This is quite an interesting internet anomaly.

eri on July 23, 2003

wow, that was the most exact match for my search phrase for a long time:) thanks for info about sic

Husker on July 23, 2003

Nice to read others didn’t know what the hell [sic] meant! All these years and I never took the time to find out until today……. As they say, “Live and learn”!

Lara on August 4, 2003

I agree. I just got fed up with not knowing and here I am. Thanks for the info!

Goob on August 7, 2003

Finally…I saw that all over the newspaper today in an article and it finally made me get up and go find out what the hell it stood for!

Neb the Newb on August 21, 2003

Now if only someone knew what it actually stands for. It is likely the initial letters of Latin words, but as I don’t know my Latin… ;)

Newb the Neb on August 21, 2003

Well, Google answered my question for me. http://www.freepint.com/bar/read.php?i=13661 Seems ‘sic’ actually *is* ‘thus’ in Latin.

Heather on August 21, 2003

I still don’t get it…. is it an acronymn for a barcoding system or some sort of identification code ???? The definition of SIC is just crap! I want to know what a SIC code is used for. I feel like HEY where is my SIC code? Do you have a SIC code? What do you do with it??

Heather on August 21, 2003

THE ANSWER- An Acronymn for “Standard Industrial Classification” “A code number representing certain types of Industry and Company types” “has been officially obsolete since 1997” I say ignore it-

Peter Rukavina on August 21, 2003

The SIC code — Standard Industrial Classification — is an out-of-date standard, still widely-used, for classifying industries. It’s used quite a bit for statistical reporting on economic issues. In recent years it has been gradually replaced, in North America, with the NAICS — North America Industrial Classification System. This system, adopted by Mexico, the U.S.A. and Canada, is mostly the same for all three countries, although there are differences relating to each local economy. This SIC abbreviation is different from the word “sic.”

Halma on July 29, 2010

Agreement with Sam, a few lines up and 6 years ago:

"phew. been meaning to look this up for 2 years +. now i know."

Cindy Crowley on November 11, 2011

Thank you for the clarification on [sic]. I think it is cool this little original site has been going on since 2001!

Cindy Crowley on November 11, 2011

Thank you for the information about what [sic] actually stands for. It perplexed me for the longest time. I also think it is cool this site has been up since 2001!

Cindy Crowley on November 11, 2011

Ooops. Sorry it went through twice, didn't think it took the first time; computer was acting up. :/

Steve on August 28, 2003

A day for the diary.. I have finally confirmed the meaning of “sic”. Thank you for the good folk at Reinvented for hosting this thread. Now I have but one question. What is the rule regarding the placement of [sic]? I guess it depends on whether you’re highlighting a spelling mistake, or grammatical error. In the case of a spelling mistake, I expect you would it place it directly after the offending word. Whereas, in the case of a grammatical mistake, you would place it at the end of the sentence. Does that sound right? I look forward to my first usage of [sic], so beware out there, I’m watching. As for the barcode reference, please find another three letter acronym, why must you bastardise this one? :) Cheers.

Doug Little on July 22, 2006

I found that t-shirt: http://www.onehorseshy.com/highbrow/bad_grammar_makes_me_sic/

Pat on August 22, 2006

Thanks so much for the entertaining reading and for finally answering my question on the meaning of [sic]. I had seen this in the newspaper and no one ever knew. I even called the newspaper itself and asked them. They didn’t have a clue! I was surprised to see how many people are unable to spell correctly, doesn’t anyone use their spell checker? I guess now we know why [sic] was invented in the first place.

Pig on May 31, 2007

I think it means that Tilly is a SIC c*nt or else he is Gay….

Slick on May 31, 2007

In certain areas in New Zealand SIC means ‘Standard Issue Clothing’ referring to the ‘Standard Issue’ Canterbury brand rugby shorts worn by many of the locals.

Tilly on May 31, 2007

I was asked what this meant by a guy from work and had to read this whole forum, granted I know what it means now but I still want my time back. As ‘Cal’ said, this thread started when the internet was cool. And he should know as he used to work for the ATO. Looking forward to checking this site in 2012….

thejad on May 31, 2007

Hey Guys! Funny… you use this thread as well??? do i know this “Cal” character you make reference too?

sicman on September 7, 2006

i know the meaning of sic. but i won’t tell. bcoz i’m sic(k).

Beverly on June 17, 2008

Today is June 17, 2008. I was curious about [sic] and did a Yahoo search. Guess what. This thread is still going. I got my answer but far be it from me to stop the thread. Who knew this would last this long….

JB on September 14, 2006

Just wanted to know what (sic) meant but ended up laughing so hard at some of the comments. We should all get together and have lunch

lisa on November 4, 2006

WOW… im definatly glad that searched (SIC) today… LOL

Keith on November 11, 2006

I am 40 and have wondered for years what (sic) meant. Possibly “Spelling Intentionally Corrupted”? But no, that didn’t make sense. Neith did Spelling Intentionally Corrected. I was about to take a self-imposed dirt-nap at the level of frustration. Then, I thought, why not ask online and see if I’m freakishly alone. Now that I’ve seen this freakishly-long thread, I can say this, “Goodbye Crule (sic) World”.

borat on November 14, 2006

this is simply one of the coolest things I’ve seen in a really long time…and funniest. internet rules

MB on November 14, 2006

It could be like a time capsule! lets see… Today WASHINGTON (AP) — The widows of two combat veterans sued the government Monday for not allowing Wiccan symbols on their husbands’ military headstones. — The long-awaited new James Bond movie will premiere in London tonight, with the Queen due to be among those watching actor Daniel Craig make his debut as the suave secret agent. — MONDAY, Nov. 13 (HealthDay News) - Steaks, hamburgers and other red meat could raise younger women’s risk for an estrogen-linked form of breast cancer, researchers report. — Reports: Britney Spears Sex Tape Real, Fed-ex To Sell It Playfuls.com - 20 hours ago by Ion C. The British tabloid News of the World reported Federline is shopping around an explicit video of his antics with his wife on their honeymoon. — I just went to wal-greens and bought two of those little canisters of “five hour energy” drink and I’m writing a lab report for cell biology (prof bell). A small liberal arts school in AR is currently balling the hell out of my sleep schedule and I feel sick. “smoke weed ‘er[sic] day” props internet

schmer on November 8, 2006

HOLY SHIT I cant believe this thread is still going!!! Long live the (sic)ness of all you internet freaks

Moof on November 18, 2006

I find it extremely sad that this thread alive after December 15, 2001, and all bothered to repeat the meaning of [sic] numerous times. That’s the sadder part, but I guess I’m contributing to the problem by replying to this thread. Nonetheless, to be redundant, [sic] just means spoken in context. E.g. You’re interviewing someone, and the pronounce “Sandra Bullock” “Sandra Bullack.” In the paper, let it appear: “Sandra Bullack [sic]” Oh, and [sic] is an acronym. What the letters stand for is what it means… =P Oh! And et al., to be redundant again, is used many times when citing sources like textbooks, etc. for a MLA Reference page. Like if there are 100 authors, then you’d just put Doe, John et al. That way people can look for the first name if they check your cited sources and you don’t have to spend an hour writing down these people’s names. Yay for explanations

Nick In Denver on January 2, 2007

What MOOF said…. I would brag about having the first post in 2007 on a six year old thread, but that would just be so wrong [tic].

Debbie on September 1, 2003

When someone asks me what SIC “stands for”, not what it means, I just say “Spoken in Context”. Not exactly what it was MEANT to stand for, but makes sense and I don’t have to elaborate further.

Meaty on January 6, 2007

Ahh, now I get it. Thanks MOOF!!! :)

Ryan on January 16, 2007

[sic] - While I am unaware of any Latin (or otherwise) meaning, I can say this. It is used to signify that a misspelled word in a quote is in fact quoted properly, mistakes and all. An easy way to remember this is by the acronym Spelling Is Correct (sic). For example: Trump responded, “Rosie is a looser [sic].” Hope this helps.

Kev on May 20, 2007

I used to be a big fan of PC Format… until this evening when I saw that term [sic] again and realised I had absolutely no idea what it meant! So I decided to Google it and found this thread…. some 45 minutes later I thought I’d add my piece to this mammoth thread! So [sic] actually means ‘Spelling Is Correct’ then, yes?! Please let me know if I read it wrong!!

Rob on February 18, 2007

There will be a meeting in the telephone booth at Reading station on 20 February 2007 at 18h00 for all participants in this thread who really care what sic stands for. Bring your own notebooks and pencils.

Frankie on March 22, 2007

Well I guess I was the only one at the telephone booth at Reading station.

tkbr0wn on April 10, 2007

Wow, I googled myself and this thread came up. I cant believe this thing is still going. I first posted over 2 years ago.

incubator on April 15, 2007

funny stuff. i read half these posts so far and i got up to the post thats responsible for this search result. thanks Dev! btw google[sucks] sic ask.com got me here

yillbrillem on April 18, 2007

…this is indeed a long, long thread. Thanks for the info… I, like many other curious monkeys,… finally tired of their own ignorance googled “what is [sic]” after reading this post on www.crooksandliers.com …In 1999, as the nation was still coming to grips with the tragedy at Columbine High School, then-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) took to the floor to identify what he saw as the real culprit: science classes.

Yankee on April 24, 2007

This is hilarious! I’ve been seeing [sic] for years in newspapers and legal case sites and knew, by the context it was used what it meant, but finally decided to ask jeeves what the correct definition was. I never expected to be so entertained, but then I’m easily amused. Ryan quoted, “An easy way to remember this is by the acronym Spelling Is Correct (sic). For example: Trump responded, “Rosie is a looser [sic].” Either way, Trump’s right!!! Thanks all, for the chuckle!!

ChrisM on April 30, 2007

“Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else’s opinion, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.” Oscar Wilde….Now ponder that after you have read all these posts and the variances contained herein; on a simple question where one has seeked an answer. This thread has it all, love, hate, ignorance, compassion, intolerance, a spirit of helpfulness…..but mostly entertainment!……nice slice of today’s society….

robyn on May 11, 2007

Friday may 11th 1:30am 2007. ok this thread been from dec 15 2001. just because”what does (sic) mean. well yeah thats nice to see what everyones opinion was. why am i even posting this?

Paul on July 7, 2007

And the latest example…..(not that further proof was required Britney is an idiot) “I apologize to the pap for a stunt that was done 4 months ago regarding an umbrella,” Spears said in a statement posted Wednesday on her Web site. “I was preparing my character for a roll (sic) in a movie where the husband never plays his part so they switch places accidentally. I take all my rolls very seriously and got a little carried away. Unfortunately I didn’t get the part.” http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/06/spears.apology.ap/index.html

TheNimster on July 8, 2007

Paul, that little blurb from Britney is what finally drove me to Google the question “What does sic mean?”. Great minds despair alike, eh? I had (sic) figured out long ago by its contextual usage, but thanks to all who explained its origin.

The [sic] Lord on July 16, 2007

The end is near my [sic] underlings. Repent, repent for all of your misspelled words. Fishsticks are better when overcooked a bit.

[sic] on July 24, 2007

Look at how long this thread has been educating people. Astounding isn’t it. Not being afraid to ask a question. What is most disturbing is how few actually read all of the threads (indicitive of their response). Without the autonomy of the internet, who would we have asked?

heko on October 23, 2007

Damn, this is nothing to do with the term “Sic ‘Im” that I was googling.

C Tompkins on September 25, 2003

So [sic] is Latin for ‘Thus’ indicating that you realise the sentence is wrong, but you are quoting it anyway. It is often used by reporters quoting Arnold Schwarzenegger, but I would vote for him anyway cos he is cool. SIC also stands for Standard Industrial Classification,and it is found in statistical reports. But that’s probably not what you are after aye. Great, glad that we’ve cleared that one up.

Steph on November 21, 2007

Well I have nothing to add to this thread, but along with so many other people, after reading the whole thing I really feel I should continue it, especially because the number of new posts seems to be diminishing! I can’t believe I read it too late for the meet up in Reading! I’ll be sure to check it again in a couple of years and see what’s going on!!!

Lucy on January 24, 2008

Still going strong in January 2008!! Thanks for the answer and the laughs!!

Tony on February 11, 2008

This thread just keeps on going, I didn’t manage to read the whole thing but I got what I needed.

Donna on February 17, 2008

Well thanks everyone for the answer to the question, now I know I will be able to write my essay :)

jojo on July 22, 2008

This is the greatest thread ever… hope they never take it down!

Krippy on November 3, 2008

I still don’t understand what the frig (sic) means?????

Stevo on November 25, 2008

So Krippy. As I understand the intellects here. In a nutshell… You’ll type [sic] after a mispelled word, when quoting. That way the original author retains his moron status and you come out looking like a snob, err… I mean the intelligent juan! sic = latin for “thus” sicut = latin for “as is”

Abe on December 5, 2008

I just remember it as ‘Spelling Isn’t Change’ ”

fellostevens on December 7, 2008

I was hoping. I only hope. But now its lost. Everyone is backwards, everyone is sucks. One simple definition would suffice. 6 billion people. Why is everyone so lonely, why is everyone (sic)?

liu kang on June 5, 2009

LOL, I typed in WTF DOES SIC MEAN? and this was still the first result. This question has been torturing me for the past ten years, THANK YOU SO.

evelyn chard on June 26, 2009

Time goes by so quickly. Can anyone provide a link to the longest thread on the internet? That would be interesting. Also, I found this site through www.bing.com, microsoft’s new search engine. Google is not longer the only place to go. Ack! The world is changing so fast.

Ed on October 10, 2003

You’re all gays

chonsp on October 10, 2003

I agree with Ed. God bless the internet for keeping alive years old posts (you all crack me up) . Now I know the meanings of SIC I did “Google”, and the types that also what to know.

john bong on October 13, 2003

your all dik flops *PRAISE ED* sic is a bike shop in sydney you banna pooos

MrEguy on October 30, 2003

The meaning was apparent from its usage—but now I know what it means for sure. “I was getting sic [sic] of wondering so long about the actual meaning of sic.” —MrEguy

Franimal on November 18, 2003

I find it bizarre that this site was meant to answer the question “What does [sic] mean?” but I like it! I can’t wait to tell all my friends, err, I mean, friend.

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