You’ve probably seen this one before maybe in a comment section, a text screenshot, or a spicy tweet where someone quoted a mistake and added a tiny “(sic)” right after it.
The first time I saw it, I thought it was some secret slang or maybe even an insult. But nope it actually has a very specific meaning, and once you learn it, you’ll spot it everywhere.
If you’re here wondering what “sic” means in text, why people use it, and how to use it correctly… you’re in the right place.
Quick Answer:
SIC means “intentionally copied as written.” It’s used to show that a spelling/grammar mistake in a quote is not yours, but belongs to the original writer.
What Does SIC Mean in Text?
“SIC” is a Latin word meaning “thus” or “so.” In modern texting and writing, it’s used inside (sic) to show that a mistake, weird phrase, or unusual wording in a quote is exactly how the original person wrote it.
You use (sic) when you:
- quote someone
- copy their exact words
- keep their mistake
- and want readers to know you didn’t write it that way
Example:
She said, “I’ll be their (sic) soon.”
This tells the reader: the mistake is part of the original message, not your grammar error.
In short: SIC = “so it was written” = shows original text had an error.
Where Is SIC Commonly Used?
You’ll see (sic) most often in places where people quote others word-for-word:
📱 Texting
📝 Articles or blogs
💬 Social media (Twitter/X, Facebook, Reddit)
📚 Academic writing
✍️ Journalism
👀 Screenshots of chats
Is it casual or formal?
- 🟡 Semi-formal okay in texting and social media
- 🟢 Formal used widely in journalism and academic writing
- 🔴 Not flirty it’s not a cute slang, it’s a correction marker
Examples of SIC in Conversation
Here are natural examples with real texting tone:
1
A: look at what he wrote 😭
B: “your so smart (sic)” omg 😂
2
A: did she really type that??
B: yep. “i seen him yesterday (sic)” 🤦♂️
3
A: posting this with (sic) because ppl will think i can’t spell
B: valid 😂
4
A: “We was (sic) there early” she actually wrote that??
B: bro yes 💀
5
A: why u added (sic)?
B: to show it’s their grammar, not mine lol
6
A: i’m screaming at “your the best (sic)”
B: that’s wild 😂
When to Use and When Not to Use SIC
✅ When to Use SIC
Use (sic) when:
- You’re quoting someone exactly
- The original text has a typo
- You want to avoid being blamed for the error
- You need accuracy (school, blogs, journalism)
- You’re calling out a funny mistake
❌ When Not to Use SIC
Avoid (sic) when:
- You’re chatting casually
- You’re correcting someone directly (it can feel rude)
- You’re writing in a formal email to a coworker
- You’re quoting someone but fixing their wording
- You want to keep the tone friendly, not sarcastic
Comparison Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
| Friend Chat | “He wrote ‘your amazing (sic)’ 😭” | Casual & funny way to show the mistake |
| Work Chat | “The report stated ‘reciept (sic)’.” | Professional tone while keeping accuracy |
| “The original message read ‘adress (sic)’.” | Formal, clear, and factual |
Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
| Slang | Meaning | When to Use |
| [sic] | Shows original mistake | Quotes or screenshots with errors |
| NVM | Never mind | Casual texting |
| FYI | For your information | Work chats or updates |
| TBH | To be honest | Honest or personal messages |
| IMO | In my opinion | Casual discussions |
| BRB | Be right back | Quick chat pauses |
FAQs:
1. Is SIC rude?
It can be, depending on tone. Sometimes people use it to mock someone’s mistake. In professional writing, it’s neutral.
2. Do I need to capitalize SIC?
Most people use lowercase: (sic).
Capitalization is optional: (SIC).
3. Do I always need to use SIC when quoting mistakes?
No. Only if the mistake is confusing or you want readers to know it’s not your error.
4. Can I use SIC in casual texting?
Yes, but it often looks sarcastic or funny.
5. Does SIC mean sick?
No completely different. “Sick” as slang = awesome/cool.
“Sic” in writing = shows an original typo.
Conclusion:
“SIC” may be a small word, but it carries a lot of clarity.
Whether you’re quoting someone in a blog, posting a screenshot, or simply trying to avoid being blamed for a spelling mistake, (sic) tells readers the original text was copied exactly as written.
Now that you know what SIC means, how to use it, and when to avoid it, you can confidently use this little tool in your messages, posts, captions, and even school work.
It’s precise, simple, and keeps your writing clean no confusion, no misunderstandings.