What is the meaning of the word 'sic'

asks MJDale
A. Sic is literally 'thus' or 'so' in Latin. It's used, usually in brackets, after quoting a word�that may be, for example, misspelled and indicates that it has been printed exactly as it was in the original - even if it seems to be a mistake. It can also be used to indicate that a word is being used or spelled in an unusual way.

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Q. Isn't it used to poke fun at people sometimes
A. More and more it is being used to make fun of a mistake someone else has made and which has been faithfully reproduced. This is a rather sneaky way of taking a dig at simple misspellings or bad grammar, which would normally be corrected before publication.

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Q. What does 'sic passim' mean
A. Sic passim is used to indicate that a certain word or phrase is used in the same way throughout a book.

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Q. What about 'sic transit gloria mundi'
A. Sic transit gloria mundi is a Latin phrase that means, 'So passes away the glory of the world.' This is a quotation from De Imitatione Christi (Of the Imitation of Christ) by Thomas � Kempis (1380-1471), and is the classic statement about the short-lived quality of human vanities. However, it is probably of earlier origin and Thomas � Kempis was quoting it.

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Q. Where is it used
A. This phrase is used at the coronation ceremony of popes. A reed surmounted by flax is burned and a chaplain says, 'Pater sancte, sic transit gloria mundi,' to remind the Holy Father of the transitory nature of human vanities.

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Q. And now
A. It's now mostly used ironically when something has been unsuccessful.

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By Sheena Miller

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