If you’ve ever read a newspaper article, book, academic paper, legal document, or online post and noticed [sic] immediately after a strange spelling or grammatical mistake, you may have wondered, what does (sic) mean?
The short answer is that [sic] is an editorial notation used to show that a quoted word or passage has been reproduced exactly as it appeared in the original source. It comes from the Latin word sic, meaning “thus,” “so,” or “in this way.”
For example:
The report stated that the company was “fully responcible [sic] for the incident.”
The writer isn’t making the spelling mistake. The original source used “responcible,” and the writer has preserved that spelling. The [sic] tells readers that the unusual spelling is part of the original quotation.
The term is particularly useful when writers need to reproduce someone’s exact words without silently correcting them. You’ll commonly encounter [sic] in writing, quotations, news articles, legal documents, academic publications, historical records, and sometimes social media.
It’s also important to distinguish lowercase sic from uppercase SIC, which can refer to the Standard Industrial Classification, a completely different concept used to classify businesses and industries.
What Does (sic) Mean?
The Simple Definition of (sic)
[Sic] means that the preceding word or passage has been reproduced exactly as it appeared in the original source, including an apparent spelling, grammar, punctuation, or wording error.
The word comes from Latin sic, which generally means “thus,” “so,” or “in this way.” In modern English publishing, however, its practical meaning is closer to:
- As written
- Thus written
- This is how it appeared in the original
- The error belongs to the quoted source, not the person reproducing it
The notation is normally placed inside square brackets:
“The two companies have [sic] reached an agreement.”
Here, [sic] tells the reader that “has” appeared that way in the original quotation. The person quoting the material hasn’t accidentally introduced the grammatical error.
Why Is (sic) Used?
The main purpose of [sic] is accuracy.
When you quote someone directly, changing their wording can alter the historical or documentary record. In some situations, even a small correction can make it appear that the original speaker or writer used a different language.
Consider this example:
The witness wrote, “I saw [sic] the vehicle leave the parking lot.”
If the original statement actually said “I seen,” changing it to “I saw” would no longer be a completely faithful quotation.
Using [sic] allows the writer to preserve the original wording while making the unusual language visible to the reader.
The notation can therefore serve several purposes:
- Preserve the original wording
- Preserve an original spelling
- Preserve an original grammatical construction
- Show that an unusual expression was present in the source
- Prevent readers from assuming the person quoting the material made the mistake
- Maintain the integrity of historical, legal, academic, or journalistic quotations
Importantly, [sic] doesn’t automatically mean that the quoted material is wrong. It simply indicates that the writer has reproduced it as it appeared in the source.
What Is the Meaning of Sic in Latin?
The Latin Origin of Sic
Sic is a Latin adverb generally translated as “thus,” “so,” or “in this manner.”
The Latin word itself isn’t inherently an editorial term. Its modern use in English developed as a way for editors, scholars, and writers to signal that something has been reproduced exactly as found in a source.
In other words, the modern editorial use of [sic] developed from the basic idea of saying:
“It appears this way in the source.”
This is why you might see sic after a word that looks incorrect.
For example:
“The letter was writen [sic] in 1892.”
The writer is essentially saying that “writen” is how the source spelled the word.
Does Sic Literally Mean “As Written”?
Not exactly.
The Latin sic is more literally associated with “thus,” “so,” or “in this way.” The phrase “as written” is a convenient explanation of its modern editorial function rather than a literal one-word translation.
This distinction matters because many simplified definitions describe sic as meaning “as written.” That’s useful for understanding how the notation works, but “thus” or “so” is closer to the literal Latin meaning.
How Is (sic) Used in Writing?
Sic After a Misspelled Word
One of the most familiar uses of [sic] is immediately after an apparent spelling mistake in a quotation.
For example:
“The goverment [sic] announced the new policy.”
The writer is indicating that the source itself contained “goverment.”
Without [sic], readers might reasonably assume that the person writing the article made the spelling error.
Sic After a Grammatical Error
The notation can also identify unusual or incorrect grammar in quoted material.
For example:
“The results shows [sic] that the treatment was effective.”
If the original source actually said “The results shows,” the writer may retain the wording and add [sic].
However, writers shouldn’t automatically add [sic] every time a quotation uses informal or nonstandard language. Context matters. A person’s dialect, conversational style, historical usage, or intentional wording isn’t necessarily an error.
Sic After Unusual Wording
[Sic] can be used when a quotation contains wording that appears unusual or potentially erroneous.
For example:
The advertisement described the product as “extremely usefull [sic] for families.”
The notation tells readers that the unusual spelling came from the quoted material.
Sic in Historical Documents
Historical quotations present a particularly important use case.
Older documents may contain:
- Obsolete spellings
- Archaic grammar
- Unusual punctuation
- Regional expressions
- Language conventions that are no longer standard
A researcher may reproduce the original wording rather than silently modernizing it.
For example:
The manuscript described the journey as “a most wonderfull [sic] experience.”
In this situation, [sic] helps distinguish the original spelling from the researcher’s own writing.
How Do You Use (sic) Correctly?
Where Should Sic Be Placed?
In formal writing, [sic] is normally placed immediately after the word or phrase that needs explanation.
For example:
“The manager recieved [sic] the letter on Monday.”
The notation follows “recieved” because that’s the unusual spelling.
If the entire quotation contains an issue, the notation may be placed after the relevant portion rather than attached arbitrarily to the end.
The goal is clarity: the reader should immediately understand what [sic] refers to.
Should You Write (sic) or [sic]?
The most recognizable formal editorial form is [sic], with square brackets.
You may sometimes see:
(sic)
with parentheses, especially in informal writing or older material. However, [sic] is widely used in formal quotations because square brackets clearly distinguish an editorial insertion or notation from the original quoted material.
Compare:
“The company are [sic] responsible for the delay.”
with:
“The company are (sic) responsible for the delay.”
Both communicate the same basic idea, but [sic] is the conventional form you’ll most often encounter in professional editing, journalism, academic writing, and legal material.
Does Sic Go Inside Quotation Marks?
When [sic] refers to wording within a quotation, it generally appears inside the quotation because it is attached to the quoted material.
For example:
“The goverment [sic] has issued a statement.”
The exact punctuation conventions can vary according to the applicable style guide, particularly when a quotation ends with punctuation. If you’re writing for a publication, university, court, or organization, follow its specific style requirements.
When Should You Use (sic)?
Use Sic When Accuracy Requires the Original Wording
[Sic] is useful when changing the quoted wording would compromise the accuracy or documentary value of the quotation.
Common situations include:
- Direct quotations
- Historical documents
- Legal records
- Court transcripts
- Academic research
- Journalism
- Interviews
- Archival material
- Official statements
The central question is simple:
Do you need to preserve the source’s exact wording?
If yes, [sic] may be appropriate when an apparent error could otherwise be attributed to you.
Use Sic Carefully With Dialects and Informal Speech
Not every nonstandard expression should receive [sic].
Suppose someone says:
“We was there all night.”
If that wording reflects the speaker’s natural dialect, automatically adding [sic] may be unnecessary and can even come across as judgmental.
The same applies to slang, colloquial expressions, intentional wordplay, and distinctive speech patterns.
The purpose of [sic] is clarification, not ridicule.
Don’t Use Sic Just to Show That Someone Is Wrong
Using [sic] repeatedly to draw attention to another person’s mistakes can make your writing appear hostile or sarcastic.
For example, this is generally poor editorial practice:
“The politician [sic] claimed that the policy was ‘obviusly [sic]’ successful.”
If every minor error is marked, the notation can overwhelm the quotation and shift attention away from its actual meaning.
A good editor asks whether the notation genuinely helps the reader.
Examples of (sic) in Sentences
Here are practical examples showing how [sic] works in different contexts.
| Original wording | With editorial notation | What [sic] tells the reader |
| “The goverment approved it.” | “The goverment [sic] approved it.” | “Goverment” appeared in the source |
| “She don’t agree.” | “She don’t [sic] agree.” | The grammar is reproduced exactly |
| “The two companys merged.” | “The two companys [sic] merged.” | “Companys” was the original spelling |
| “He recieved the letter.” | “He recieved [sic] the letter.” | “Recieved” wasn’t introduced by the quoter |
| “Their are several reasons.” | “Their [sic] are several reasons.” | The unusual word appears in the source |
The placement should be as close as practical to the relevant word or phrase.
Why Is (sic) Used in News Articles?
Sic in Newspaper Articles
Journalists frequently work with direct quotations. Those quotations may come from politicians, business leaders, witnesses, public officials, documents, press releases, interviews, or social media posts.
A journalist generally shouldn’t silently change a person’s words while presenting them as a direct quote.
For example:
The statement said the company was “fully responcible [sic] for the problem.”
Here, [sic] makes clear that the newspaper isn’t responsible for the spelling in the quoted statement.
However, professional news organizations may instead correct certain obvious errors, omit them, or use another editorial approach, depending on their style policies. Therefore, [sic] isn’t required every time a source makes a mistake.
Sic in Journalism and Attribution
The notation becomes especially useful when readers might otherwise think the journalist made the error.
Imagine a public statement containing an unusual spelling. If a reporter reproduces it exactly, the reporter has two choices:
- Correct the quotation, potentially changing the original wording.
- Preserve the wording and clarify that the unusual form comes from the source.
[Sic] is one traditional way to accomplish the second goal.
What Does (sic) Mean in Legal Writing?
Sic in Legal Documents
Legal writing can involve extensive quotations from:
- Contracts
- Depositions
- Court transcripts
- Witness statements
- Previous decisions
- Correspondence
- Government records
- Evidence
Accuracy is particularly important when the precise wording of a document matters.
For example:
The contract described the property as “free of all known defectes [sic].”
The notation can indicate that “defectes” appeared in the original material.
Sic in Court Transcripts
Court transcripts can contain speech patterns, interruptions, grammatical errors, incomplete sentences, and informal language.
When those words are quoted in another document, the writer may need to preserve them exactly.
[Sic] can therefore help distinguish the original speaker’s wording from the lawyer’s, judge’s, or author’s writing.
Its use should still follow the relevant court rules and legal style requirements.
What Does (sic) Mean in Academic Writing?
Sic in Research Papers
Academic writers often quote historical documents, interviews, previous scholarship, archival records, and other primary sources.
If the source contains an apparent error that the researcher wants to preserve, [sic] can signal that the unusual wording belongs to the source.
For example:
The 1920 report described the population as “remarkebly [sic] stable.”
This is especially useful when the exact language itself is relevant to the research.
Sic and Academic Citations
[Sic] doesn’t replace a citation.
These are two different functions:
- Citation: tells readers where information came from.
- [Sic]: tells readers that unusual wording has been reproduced from the source.
You may therefore see both in the same quotation.
For example:
The report described the figures as “completly [sic] accurate” (Smith, 1920, p. 14).
The citation identifies the source, while [sic] identifies the unusual spelling.
What Does (sic) Mean in Texting?
Sic Meaning in Text Messages
In ordinary text messaging, [sic] is relatively uncommon.
Most people don’t need an editorial notation when chatting with friends because casual messages aren’t normally treated as formal quotations.
For example, someone isn’t likely to write:
“I went their [sic] yesterday.”
They’d usually just understand the typo from context.
[Sic] becomes more relevant when someone is quoting a text message as evidence or reproducing it in a formal context.
For example:
The sender wrote, “I never recieved [sic] your email.”
Here, [sic] makes sense because the writer is documenting the original message.
Sic Meaning in Social Media
Social media posts can also be quoted in journalism, research, legal proceedings, or other formal contexts.
A writer might reproduce an original post containing an apparent error:
The post stated, “This is the best resturant [sic] in town.”
The [sic] indicates that “resturant” appeared in the original post.
What Does (sic) Mean on Twitter and Other Social Media?
Sic on Twitter
On Twitter, now known as X, [sic] can appear when users quote another person’s post while preserving its original wording.
It is most likely to appear in:
- Journalism
- Political reporting
- Academic research
- Commentary
- Documented discussions
- Screenshots or transcripts of posts
For example:
The user posted that the policy was “completly unfair [sic].”
The notation isn’t a special Twitter or X feature. It’s an editorial convention that can be used when reproducing text from the platform.
Is Sic Common on Social Media?
Not particularly.
Social media users generally don’t need formal editorial notation when casually quoting another person. However, [sic] becomes more useful when a social media post is being treated as a source and reproduced in a formal piece of writing.
Why Is (sic) Sometimes Considered Rude?
Sic Can Draw Attention to Someone’s Mistake
Although [sic] has a legitimate editorial function, it can sometimes sound judgmental.
If someone writes:
“I definately [sic] agree.”
the notation draws attention to the spelling error.
That’s appropriate if the exact spelling is important to the document. But if the writer uses [sic] simply to embarrass the person, it becomes unnecessarily antagonistic.
Sic Is Not Supposed to Be an Insult
The best use of [sic] is neutral and factual.
Its message is essentially:
“This is exactly how the source wrote it.”
It isn’t supposed to mean:
“Look how stupid this person is.”
Professional writers should therefore use the notation selectively.
What Is the Difference Between (sic) and Editing a Quote?
When dealing with a quotation containing an error, a writer may have several options depending on the publication’s rules and the nature of the quotation.
| Approach | Purpose |
| Preserve original + [sic] | Makes clear that the wording came from the source |
| Correct the wording | Produces a grammatically or orthographically corrected quotation where permitted |
| Paraphrase | Communicates the meaning without claiming to reproduce exact wording |
| Omit the problematic portion | Removes an unnecessary error while preserving the quotation’s relevant meaning |
The important principle is not to misrepresent a source.
If the exact wording matters, preserve it. If the error isn’t relevant and the applicable style permits correction, an editor may choose another solution.
Sic vs. Brackets: Are They the Same Thing?
No.
[Sic] is a specific editorial notation, while square brackets can be used for many kinds of editorial additions.
For example:
“He [the manager] approved the request.”
Here, [the manager] provides clarification that wasn’t necessarily part of the original quotation.
But:
“He approved the requst [sic].”
Here, [sic] indicates that “requst” appeared in the source.
Both use brackets, but they serve different purposes.
Sic vs. “Emphasis Added”
These editorial notes communicate different information.
[Sic]
Means that the quoted material has been reproduced as it appeared in the source.
[Emphasis Added]
Means that the person reproducing the quotation has added emphasis, such as bold or italics, to particular words.
For example:
“The policy was never approved” [emphasis added].
The emphasis wasn’t necessarily present in the original source.
By contrast:
“The policy was nevr [sic] approved.”
Here, [sic] indicates that “nevr” was present in the original wording.
Common Mistakes When Using (sic)
Using Sic for Every Typo
You don’t need to mark every tiny mistake in every quotation.
Overusing [sic] can make writing distracting and difficult to read.
Putting Sic Too Far Away
If [sic] refers to a specific word, place it immediately after that word whenever practical.
Compare:
“The goverment [sic] announced a new policy.”
with:
“The goverment announced a new policy [sic].”
The first example is clearer because the reader immediately knows which word is being identified.
Assuming Sic Always Means “This Is Wrong”
This is an important distinction.
[Sic] does not necessarily declare that the source made an objective error.
It indicates that the wording has been reproduced as found.
A word may look unusual because of:
- Historical spelling
- Regional language
- Dialect
- Specialized terminology
- A deliberate stylistic choice
- A transcription issue
- A genuine mistake
The context determines why the notation is useful.
Using Sic to Be Sarcastic
A writer can technically use [sic] correctly while still using it poorly.
If the notation is repeatedly attached to harmless informal expressions just to mock another person, it can undermine the credibility and professionalism of the writing.
What Does SIC Mean in Business?
SIC as Standard Industrial Classification
There is another completely different meaning of SIC.
In business and government contexts, SIC commonly stands for Standard Industrial Classification.
A SIC code is used to classify businesses according to their primary economic activity.
This meaning has nothing to do with the editorial notation [sic].
For example:
- [sic] → editorial notation meaning “thus/as written”
- SIC → Standard Industrial Classification
- SIC code → a classification code associated with an industry or business activity
What Is a SIC Code?
SIC codes are used to categorize business activities into industries.
The classification can be useful for:
- Business research
- Government statistics
- Industry analysis
- Business databases
- Market research
- Regulatory and administrative purposes
The exact classification system and code set can depend on the country and the context in which the term is being used.
Difference Between (sic) and SIC
| Feature | [sic] | SIC |
| Meaning | Editorial notation | Standard Industrial Classification |
| Origin | Latin | Business classification system |
| Main use | Writing and quotations | Business and industry classification |
| Context | Books, articles, legal writing, journalism | Companies, industries, statistics |
| Meaning of the word/acronym | “Thus” / “as written” in editorial use | Standard Industrial Classification |
| Example | “The goverment [sic]…” | “The company operates under SIC…” |
Capitalization and context usually make the intended meaning clear.
Frequently Asked Questions About (sic)
What does (sic) mean after a quote?
[Sic] after a quoted word or phrase means that the writer has reproduced the wording exactly as it appeared in the original source. It commonly draws attention to an apparent spelling, grammar, punctuation, or wording issue.
What does [sic] mean in writing?
In writing, [sic] is an editorial notation used to show that unusual wording has been preserved from the original source rather than introduced by the person quoting it.
What does [sic] mean in a sentence?
It means the preceding word or phrase appears that way in the original source. For example:
“The goverment [sic] issued a statement.”
The spelling “goverment” came from the original quotation.
What does [sic] mean in texting?
In ordinary texting, [sic] is uncommon. It becomes useful when someone is formally quoting or documenting a text message and wants to preserve the sender’s exact wording.
What does [sic] mean on Twitter?
On Twitter/X, [sic] has the same editorial meaning it has elsewhere. It can indicate that a quoted social media post has been reproduced exactly, including an apparent error.
Is [sic] rude?
It can be perceived as rude, but the notation itself is not inherently rude. Its legitimate purpose is to identify wording that came from the original source. Using it excessively or sarcastically can make it appear mocking.
Is [sic] only used for spelling mistakes?
No. It can be used with grammar, punctuation, wording, transcription, and other unusual features of quoted material. The key purpose is to show that the reproduced wording comes from the original source.
Should I use (sic) or [sic]?
[Sic] with square brackets is the standard form you’ll commonly encounter in formal editorial writing. Parenthetical (sic) also appears, but usage can depend on the publication or style guide.
Does sic mean “as written”?
In modern editorial usage, yes, “as written” is a useful way to understand what [sic] communicates. However, the Latin word sic more literally means “thus,” “so,” or “in this way.”
Why do newspapers use [sic]?
Newspapers and other publications may use [sic] when preserving an exact quotation that contains an apparent error. It helps readers understand that the unusual wording originated with the quoted source.
What is the difference between [sic] and a typo?
A typo is an accidental error in text. [Sic] is an editorial notation used when a writer reproduces text containing an apparent error and wants readers to know that the error was already present in the source.
Can [sic] be used in legal writing?
Yes. [Sic] may appear in legal documents when lawyers, researchers, or courts reproduce source material containing unusual wording. Its precise use depends on the relevant legal and editorial conventions.
Key Facts About (sic)
The most important points to remember are:
- [Sic] comes from Latin.
- The Latin word sic means approximately “thus,” “so,” or “in this way.”
- In editorial writing, [sic] signals that quoted material has been reproduced as it appeared in the source.
- It is commonly associated with spelling and grammatical errors, but its function is broader.
- [Sic] doesn’t automatically prove that something is objectively wrong.
- It can appear in journalism, books, academic writing, legal documents, historical records, and other formal material.
- [Sic] is usually placed immediately after the relevant word or phrase.
- [sic] and SIC are different things.
- SIC can mean Standard Industrial Classification in business contexts.
- Using [sic] excessively can distract readers or appear sarcastic.
- Not every informal expression, dialect feature, or unusual phrase needs [sic].
Conclusion: What Does (sic) Mean?
So, what does (sic) mean?
In writing, [sic] is an editorial notation that tells readers that a word, phrase, or passage has been reproduced exactly as it appeared in the original source. It comes from the Latin sic, meaning “thus,” “so,” or “in this way.”
Its most familiar use is after an apparent spelling or grammatical error:
“The goverment [sic] announced the decision.”
The notation tells readers that “goverment” was present in the original quotation and wasn’t a mistake introduced by the writer reproducing it.
You’ll most often encounter [sic] in quotations, journalism, academic research, legal writing, historical documents, books, and formal discussions of source material. It can also appear when writers reproduce social media posts or text messages in a formal context.
The most important thing to remember is that [sic] isn’t simply a marker saying “this person is wrong.” Its primary purpose is to preserve the integrity of a quotation and make the source of unusual wording clear.
And if you see SIC in a business context, don’t confuse it with the editorial notation. There, it may refer to Standard Industrial Classification, a system used to categorize business and industry activities.
In short, when you see [sic], read it as a small editorial signal saying: “This is how it appeared in the original.”
Oliver Harrington is a British author and language researcher known for his engaging writing on the meanings of words, communication, and personal growth. Born in Oxford, England, he developed a passion for literature and etymology at an early age, later studying English Literature before pursuing a full-time writing career. His work combines historical research with practical insights, making complex language concepts easy for readers to understand. Over the years, he has contributed to educational publications, spoken at literary events, and inspired thousands of readers with his thoughtful approach to language. When he is not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring historic libraries, travelling across the British countryside, and researching the origins of English expressions.
Books:
- The Language of Meaning
- Words That Shaped the World
Edward Whitmore