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).

Comments

Amanda's picture
Amanda on April 9, 2006 - 07:48 Permalink

Yes, but if we just picked up a dictionary, none of us would have found that good excuse to completely waste a couple hours of our time. I came back, because I can’t sleep, and trying to find anything that will put me to sleep. I think I’ve accomplished that.

And I can’t believe I found good advice about love on here. Sad…

sparticus's picture
sparticus on May 12, 2006 - 07:06 Permalink

I dunno about all that stuff up there but (sic) as in the name of the Slipknot song is a refernce to a letter written by David Berkowitz a.k.a. Son of Sam to the authorities in which he repeatedly wrote (sic) after some of his comments.

JayJay's picture
JayJay on May 21, 2006 - 16:17 Permalink

Hehehe. [sic] is the intellectual elitist’s way of saying “hahaha, you dumbass little fucker, you don’t know how to spell!”

Really, I’ve noticed that it appears more often when the quoting author is quoting someone he/she despises.

Very interesting.

malicious's picture
malicious on May 25, 2006 - 22:46 Permalink

My new favorite t-shirt reads, “Bad grammar makes me [sic].”

Pat's picture
Pat on August 22, 2006 - 16:53 Permalink

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.

sicman's picture
sicman on September 7, 2006 - 10:10 Permalink

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

JB's picture
JB on September 14, 2006 - 16:18 Permalink

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's picture
lisa on November 4, 2006 - 15:44 Permalink

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

schmer's picture
schmer on November 9, 2006 - 04:25 Permalink

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

Keith's picture
Keith on November 12, 2006 - 04:40 Permalink

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's picture
borat on November 14, 2006 - 09:01 Permalink

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

MB's picture
MB on November 14, 2006 - 09:23 Permalink

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

Moof's picture
Moof on November 18, 2006 - 15:41 Permalink

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's picture
Nick In Denver on January 2, 2007 - 21:54 Permalink

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].

Meaty's picture
Meaty on January 6, 2007 - 05:49 Permalink

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

Ryan's picture
Ryan on January 16, 2007 - 12:58 Permalink

[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.

Rob's picture
Rob on February 18, 2007 - 14:37 Permalink

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's picture
Frankie on March 22, 2007 - 06:37 Permalink

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

tkbr0wn's picture
tkbr0wn on April 10, 2007 - 22:46 Permalink

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's picture
incubator on April 16, 2007 - 03:51 Permalink

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's picture
yillbrillem on April 18, 2007 - 06:53 Permalink

…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's picture
Yankee on April 24, 2007 - 16:17 Permalink

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's picture
ChrisM on May 1, 2007 - 02:35 Permalink

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's picture
robyn on May 11, 2007 - 08:32 Permalink

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?

Kev's picture
Kev on May 20, 2007 - 21:53 Permalink

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!!

Tilly's picture
Tilly on May 31, 2007 - 07:39 Permalink

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….

Slick's picture
Slick on May 31, 2007 - 07:51 Permalink

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.

Pig's picture
Pig on May 31, 2007 - 07:58 Permalink

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

thejad's picture
thejad on May 31, 2007 - 08:21 Permalink

Hey Guys!

Funny… you use this thread as well???

do i know this “Cal” character you make reference too?

Paul's picture
Paul on July 7, 2007 - 16:34 Permalink

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/SHOWBI…

TheNimster's picture
TheNimster on July 8, 2007 - 18:56 Permalink

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's picture
The [sic] Lord on July 16, 2007 - 19:14 Permalink

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

[sic]'s picture
[sic] on July 24, 2007 - 22:31 Permalink

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's picture
heko on October 24, 2007 - 00:26 Permalink

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

Steph's picture
Steph on November 21, 2007 - 13:49 Permalink

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's picture
Lucy on January 24, 2008 - 22:39 Permalink

Still going strong in January 2008!!

Thanks for the answer and the laughs!!

Tony's picture
Tony on February 11, 2008 - 07:10 Permalink

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

Donna's picture
Donna on February 17, 2008 - 09:16 Permalink

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

Beverly's picture
Beverly on June 17, 2008 - 17:21 Permalink

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….

jojo's picture
jojo on July 22, 2008 - 09:22 Permalink

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

Krippy's picture
Krippy on November 3, 2008 - 20:52 Permalink

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

Stevo's picture
Stevo on November 25, 2008 - 21:08 Permalink

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's picture
Abe on December 5, 2008 - 06:42 Permalink

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

fellostevens's picture
fellostevens on December 8, 2008 - 04:07 Permalink

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's picture
liu kang on June 6, 2009 - 01:10 Permalink

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's picture
evelyn chard on June 26, 2009 - 19:23 Permalink

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.

Halma's picture
Halma on July 29, 2010 - 14:28 Permalink

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's picture
Cindy Crowley on November 12, 2011 - 04:26 Permalink

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

Cindy Crowley's picture
Cindy Crowley on November 12, 2011 - 04:28 Permalink

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!  

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