How to fix `unknown variable 'sql-mode=ANSI'`?

Question

Using MySQL 5.5.27, in my.cnf I have:

[mysql]
sql_mode=ANSI

Upon starting the mysql console I get:

unknown variable 'sql-mode=TRADITIONAL'

The MySQL doc Server SQL Modes shows that option, so why does it not work?

(If it helps, I am on OSX Lion)

Also, here is a pastebin showing the things another person has tried, with no solution.

Answer 1

sql-mode should be in the [mysqld] section, not in the [mysql] section. If you move sql-mode=ANSI to the [mysqld] section, it should work.