[spirochete]

I'm currently trying to decipher modern physical organic by anslyn and the other guy

When looking at generalized mechanisms, what does a squiggly line mean?  Does it mean variable stereochemistry?  Especially a new squiggly line coming from an SP2 C=C carbon. 

Does this mean that the new bond formed could be cis or trans?   If so, is there any significance to specifically showing the new squiggly bond as cis or trans, like does this imply preference for one over the other without total specificity?

[azmanam]

I don't know the book you're talking about specifically, but unless they're making up their own terms it means equal mixture of isomers at that center (diastereomers or enantiomers as appropriate).  for double bonds, it would mean an equal mix of cis/trans.

If you could provide an example or two someone can probably verify that.