Don’t Know ‘Come Here’ from ‘Sic ’Em’
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "don’t know ‘come here’ from ‘sic ’em’" means someone is completely inexperienced, clueless, or can’t tell opposite commands apart-like a dog that doesn’t know whether to come or attack.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
You'll hear 'don’t know ‘come here’ from ‘sic ’em’' out in the country. Hillbilly Dude Says...
You'll hear 'don’t know ‘come here’ from ‘sic ’em’' out in the country. Pronunciation
[kum HEER from SIK-’em] /kʌm ˈhɪɚ frəm ˈsɪk əm/
Meaning & Usage
- Completely inexperienced or clueless (idiomatic phrase)
Mae:
How’s that new feller on the crew?
How’s that new feller on the crew?
Earl:
He don’t know come here from sic ’em yet, but he’ll learn.
He don’t know come here from sic ’em yet, but he’ll learn.- Unable to distinguish even obvious differences (figurative)
Mae:
You gave him two clear choices?
You gave him two clear choices?
Earl:
Yep-still don’t know ‘come here’ from ‘sic ’em’.
Yep-still don’t know ‘come here’ from ‘sic ’em’.variations: don’t know come ’ere from sic ’em, don’t know come here from sic ’em Rover (variant), clueless, green as grass
★ This phrase comes from dog-handling language-"come here" recalls the dog, "sic ’em" sends it to chase or attack. Someone who "don’t know ‘come here’ from ‘sic ’em’" is as confused as a poorly trained pup. ★
Origin and Etymology
Common in the South and South Midland, this term reflects the region’s rural, working-dog culture.
Usage Notes
Still heard today in rural and humorous speech. Outside the region it may sound quaint but is usually understood from context.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "come here" → "come ’ere" or "come heah"; "sic ’em" → "sik ’em." Often said fast as one flowing phrase.
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