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(sic)

(sic)

(OP)
What does (sic) mean?  I have seen it on occasion in the past, and I saw it again today.  I was reading the NFL Power Rankings, and the writer mentioned, "the undefeated (sic) Bengals."  Now, as a Packer fan, I know it is SICK that the Bengals are undefeated, and the Packers are winless, but I don't believe that is what (sic) means.

DaveAtkins

RE: (sic)

Sic typically means "written as heard".  Sometimes also "quoted as read or heard, including grammatical errors and misspellings".

I'm at a loss as to how it applies to the context you mention.  Probably a misuse of the term in an attempt to look more sophisticated.

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sic>

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RE: (sic)

Dave:
Are you within radio reception distance of WAPL?

RE: (sic)

(OP)
Yes, and I listen occasionally.

DaveAtkins

RE: (sic)

I thought 'sic' was Latin for 'as it was', and generally, when you see (sic) in a body of text, it is to indicate that any spelling and/or grammatical errors are not from the author, but from the source being quoted or referenced.

In the original document you referenced, "the undefeated (sic) Bengals.", was undefeated mis-spelled by chance?

Good Luck
--------------
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RE: (sic)

(OP)
No, it isn't.  I just checked.  I suppose the sports writer didn't know how to use (sic) either.

DaveAtkins

RE: (sic)

The Bengals are historically a bad team, so the author wanted to urge that while they are technically "undefeated" this early into the season (4 games), don't hold your breath for them to go to the Super Bowl.

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RE: (sic)

I've seen quite a bit of this mis-use of 'sic' in a sense that appears to mean, "yes that's right, that is exactly what I meant to say" when applied to an otherwise unlikely occurrence.  Tabloid newspapers seem to be the main culprits.

Bung
Life is non-linear...

RE: (sic)

sic means: like that, so (in spanish: así)
example the famous latin alocution:
sic transit gloria mundi: so goes the glory of the world

saludos.
a.

RE: (sic)

Literary stylist Kate L. Turabian often has what could be the last word on such topics, e.g.:  "To assure the reader that the faulty logic, error in fact, incorrect word, incorrect spelling, or the like is in the original matter quoted, the Latin word sic ("so" ; always underlined) may be placed in brackets after the error"

She goes on to caution, "The use of sic should not be overdone.  Quotations from . . . obviously archaic or illiterate writing, should not be strewn with sics."  (all, 1973)

Her displays of the word "sic," as above, are set in italics as well as being underlined.  Newer chatroom style, such as this message (in which I really hesitate to risk intrusively tagging the typography [fodder for a separate topic, perhaps]), need not encourage the mere substitution of parentheses for the time-honored brackets.

RE: (sic)

Interesting... why italics, why underlined? Does that change the meaning of the word?

I sometimes see words from foreign languages written in italics, but isn't sic in the English dictionary?

RE: (sic)


Good example, abeltio. It merits a star. This expression is repeated three times on the accession of a new Pope: Pater sancte, sic transit gloria mundi.

The same is whispered to a new "brother" being introduced to the free-masons' fraternity.

Other popular examples:

Sic itur ad astra = such is the way to immortality (... to the stars).
Sic semper tyrannis = thus ever to tyrants (motto of Virginia).
Sic vos non vobis = so are you, not for your own sake.

RE: (sic)

According to the Associated Press' Stylebook:

(sic): Do not use (sic) unless it is in the matter being quoted.  To show that an error, peculiar usage or spelling is in the original, use a note to editors at the top of the story, below the summary line but ahead of a byline.

Examples: Eds.note: [Eds: The spelling cabob is in the original copy.] or Eds. note: [Eds: The spelling Jorga is correct.]

Of course, this is for the Associated Press....

RE: (sic)

I've seen this used by attorneys quite a bit, especially when they want to put emphasis on their opponents poor spelling or use of grammar.

For example:

The respondent wrote in his autobiography that he was "the best choice for full custidy [sic]."

However, for their client they would write:

The petitioner wrote in her autobiography that she was "the best choice" for full custody. (note the location of the quotation marks.)

They always use sic in brackets it seems.  But, then, attorneys have their own form of language altogether.

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