The Unexpected Benefits Of Using Sic Semper

Sic semper tyrannis literally translates as thus always to tyrants. A tyrant, by definition, is a ruler who arbitrarily and unjustly wields power to oppress the citizenry. The idea is that a tyrant will surely meet a dire end, which is expected and just. This latin phrase is flexible in usage. Some of the benefits of using the phrase sic semper tyrannis include:

Sic means thus, so, in that way, and is the same word scholars and snarky journalists use to quote a misspelled or ungrammatical passage, like dan quayle's potatoes [sic]. The sic assures the reader that the mistake was made by the person quoted, not the quoting author or his editor. Sic semper tyrannis (thus always to tyrants) is the most famous latin slogan around. Its been the state motto of virginia since 1776. John wilkes booth shouted it the moment he assassinated. Sic semper tyrannis is a latin phrase meaning thus always to tyrants. In contemporary parlance, it means tyrannical leaders will inevitably be overthrown. The phrase also suggests that bad but justified outcomes should, or eventually will, befall tyrants. It is the state motto of the u. s. The phrase sic semper tyrannis, which translates to thus always to tyrants or more liberally as this is what happens to tyrants, is a powerful and enduring motto with a long history of association with the rejection of tyranny and authoritarianism.