The word stet was borrowed from the Latin word spelled the same way, which translates “let it stand.” Stet is commonly used by writers and editors to indicate that something should remain as written, especially after a correction has been suggested. This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “Stet”
Hello, you have A Way with Words.
Hi, this is Adrienne calling from the North Country of New York.
Hi, Adrienne, welcome to the show.
Hi.
Where in North Country are you?
I’m in the Plattsburgh area.
Plattsburgh, cool.
What can we do for you?
Well, I’m calling about the word STET, S-T-E-T.
I’ve run across it a couple of times in crossword puzzles now, but other than the little bit of information that the clue gives, I don’t know much about it, so I’d love to get some more information.
What’s your understanding of the word?
Well, I believe it’s an editing term used to undo the deletion of a word when you’re doing a hand editing.
Yep, that’s exactly right.
Adrienne, as a writer, I love this word. It’s a visceral, visceral reaction that I have. You know, some people have reactions to the word moist. Some people have reactions to the word pants or slacks. I love the word stet because it means leave my writing the way it was.
That’s true. I also think it’s interesting because with digital editing, it’s not needed anymore. You just retype the word.
Yeah, that’s a good point, unless you’re looking at a hard copy, right? But the word goes back to Latin. It’s the third person subjunctive of the Latin word for to stand. So it literally means let it stand.
Stats, yeah, it’s related to words like status, you know, you’re standing. And the word stand, as a matter of fact.
Well, that’s really fascinating. I’m glad that I could get a little bit more information about it.
I thought you were going to say, I’m glad I could get a rise out of you, Martha, because I love this word. You know, it’s the editor backing off.
I’m too close to a college campus. I have to be coof.
Okay.
All right. Well, stay coof.
Thank you so much.
Thank you. Bye-bye.
I’m glad we got a chance to talk.
Sure. Bye-bye.
Take care.
