Sic is a Latin word meaning "thus", "so", "as such", or "in such a manner". In writing, it is put in square brackets and italic type – [sic] – to show that any incorrect or unusual spelling, phrases, punctuation, or other quoted material have been copied verbatim (word for word) from its original source.[1]
At first, it was said like the English word "seek" (IPA /'sik/); however, it is normally said like the English word "sick" (/'sɪk/).
The word sic may be used to show that an uncommon or old usage is written faithfully: for instance, quoting the U.S. Constitution:
It is often used, though, to highlight an error, sometimes to ridicule, such as here in The Times:
Sometimes, sic is said to be an abbreviation for "said in context", "spelled in context", "said in copy", and other phrases. While incorrect, this still gives the same meaning when used.