Semantic Immobility Coefficient (SIC)

Dictionary entry

Semantic Immobility Coefficient (SIC) — A Crestignacian indicator measuring how many words a sentence can use without producing any intellectual movement.

Noun · Crestignacian.

Definition

A measure of a sentence's ability to use a large number of words without causing the slightest intellectual movement in its reader.

Levels

  • Low SIC: The sentence conveys an idea.
  • High SIC: The sentence gives the impression of conveying an idea.
  • Crestignacian SIC: By the end of the sentence, the reader wonders whether they have forgotten its beginning.

Canonical example

“It governs the conditions of governance.”

Fundamental principle

“A sentence should not go round in circles. Ideally, it should not move at all.”

The dart principle

“The Semantic Immobility Coefficient measures the proportion of activity devoted to moving the dart around rather than bringing it closer to its target.”

Source