Have you ever been reading something, perhaps a news article or a quote from a public figure, and stumbled across a word or phrase that just seemed… off? Maybe it was a grammatical error, a strange spelling, or an odd turn of phrase. And then, nestled right after it, you saw it: (sic).
For many, especially those learning English as a second language, this little insertion can be a bit of a mystery. It’s not a typo on the reader’s part, nor is it usually a mistake by the person writing the article. So, what exactly does (sic) mean, and why do we see it?
Interestingly, the word sic itself has a couple of distinct meanings, and understanding them helps clarify its use in writing. In American English, sic has two main lives.
The Latin Root: "Thus It Was Written"
First, there's the Latin sic. It's a shortened version of the phrase sic erat scriptum, which translates to "thus it was written." When you see (sic) placed after a word or phrase in quoted material, it's the writer's way of signaling that the error you're seeing – be it a spelling mistake, a grammatical blunder, or an unusual phrasing – was present in the original source. The writer is essentially saying, "I'm quoting this exactly as it was written, errors and all." It’s a way to preserve the authenticity of the quote without the reader assuming the error is the fault of the person doing the quoting.
Think of it like this: if someone said, "I didn't know he made deposit at the bank," and you were quoting them accurately, you might write, "He said, 'I didn't know he made deposit [sic] at the bank.'" The (sic) tells you that the singular "deposit" was indeed what the original speaker said, not a mistake on your part.
It’s important to be sure before you use it, though. Regional spelling differences (like American vs. British English) aren't grounds for (sic). And even when you're certain it's an error, some style guides suggest it can be seen as impolite, preferring a subtle correction within brackets instead. But if you choose (sic), you're in good company, as seen in many reputable publications.
The English Verb: "Go Get 'Em!"
Then there's the other side of sic – the English verb. This meaning is quite different and has a more… well, aggressive connotation. Since the 19th century, sic 'em has been used as a command, typically to a dog, to chase or attack. It’s thought to be a dialectical interpretation of the word "seek," which makes a lot of sense when you think about it. Over time, this usage expanded beyond just dogs, and people might say they'll "sic their lawyer on someone" or "sic their friends on them." It’s a command to incite pursuit or attack.
So, the next time you encounter (sic), you'll know it's not just a random string of letters. It's a deliberate marker, either pointing out an original error in quoted text or, in a completely different context, a command to unleash a pursuit. It’s a small word with a surprisingly rich history and dual personality in the English language.