Sic: How to Use the Latin Term for Quotation Accuracy
When transcribing a historical document or quoting a source, you may encounter a spelling error, a grammatical slip, or a phrasing choice that seems entirely wrong. To avoid appearing as though you made the mistake yourself, writers use the term sic. This small but powerful tool signals to the reader that the text is being reproduced exactly as it appeared in the original source.
Derived from the Latin adverb meaning "thus," "so," or "in this manner," sic serves as a marker of meticulous accuracy. It ensures that the integrity of the original text is preserved while protecting the editor's reputation for precision.
Key Facts
- Meaning: Latin for "thus" or "in this manner."
- Purpose: Indicates that a quoted error (spelling, grammar, or logic) exists in the original source.
- Formatting: Typically placed inside square brackets [ sic ] to show it is an editorial addition.
- Common Misconception: It is not an acronym for "spelled in copy" or "spelling is correct."
- Usage Trend: Use increased significantly in the mid-20th century, partly due to its use in legal opinions and as a tool for ridicule.
Etymology and History
The use of sic as an adverb meaning "intentionally so written" first appeared in the English language around 1856. By 1889, it had evolved into a verbal form—meaning "to mark with a sic"—as seen in the works of E. Belfort Bax.
While its primary purpose is accuracy, the term has occasionally been the subject of folk etymologies. Some mistakenly believe it is a backronym (an acronym created after the fact) for phrases like "spelled incorrectly" or "spelling is correct." These interpretations are incorrect; the word is simply a direct loan from Latin.
Modern Applications and Conventions
In contemporary writing, [ sic ] is most frequently used to highlight unusual orthography (the conventional spelling system of a language), syntax, or faulty reasoning. By inserting the term, the writer clarifies that the error was not introduced during the transcription process.
Denoting Archaisms and Dialects
Sic is often used when quoting historical documents to show that an archaic spelling is being reported faithfully. For example, quoting the U.S. Constitution's use of "chuse [ sic ]" instead of "choose." However, many style guides caution against using it for dialect differences. Using [ sic ] to mark British English spellings (such as "analyse") in an American text is often viewed as an error of ignorance rather than a mark of precision.
Ironic and Derisive Use
Beyond simple accuracy, sic can be used ironically. A writer might place [ sic ] after their own words to indicate a deliberate choice for special effect. It can also be used derisively to draw attention to another writer's poor logic or spelling mistakes, a practice that contributed to the surge of the term's usage in U.S. state-court opinions between 1945 and 1990.
Formatting and Style Guidelines
The presentation of sic varies depending on the style manual being followed:
- Brackets: Because it is an editorial insertion, it is almost always placed in square brackets: [ sic ].
- Italicization: In the United States, authorities like APA Style generally require italics. Conversely, British, Australian, and New Zealand media outlets typically do not italicize it.
- Punctuation: Since it is a word and not an abbreviation, it should not be followed by a period inside the brackets. The California Style Manual makes an exception for parenthetical sentences following a complete sentence: ( Sic. ).
Alternatives to Using Sic
Because the frequent use of [ sic ] can be seen as distracting or arrogant, some editors prefer alternative methods for handling errors.
| Method | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet Copy-editing | Silently correcting the error or replacing it with the correct word in brackets. | "The house was [blue]" (replacing a typo). |
| Recte | Using the Latin recte ("rightly") to show the original and the correction. | [consumed recte assumed] |
| Read | Following the error with a "read" instruction. | [sic: read Evening News] |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "sic" an abbreviation?
No, sic is a Latin adverb meaning "thus." It is not an acronym, and therefore should not be written with periods (e.g., s.i.c.).
Should I always use [ sic ] when I see a typo in a quote?
Not necessarily. Some guides, such as The Chicago Manual of Style, recommend "quiet copy-editing" for obvious typographic errors unless the document is a historical manuscript where idiosyncrasies must be preserved.
When is it inappropriate to use [ sic ]?
It is generally discouraged when marking differences between American and British English spellings, as this can appear overzealous or ignorant of regional variations.
Can I use [ sic ] in my own writing?
Yes, but typically only for ironic effect. This signals to the reader that you have intentionally used a non-standard word or phrase for a specific purpose.
Do I need to italicize the word?
It depends on your region and style guide. It is common in the U.S. (APA Style), but often omitted in British and Australian English.