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.

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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?

Earl:

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?

Earl:

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

Documented in the Dictionary of American Regional English as common in the South and South Midland. Reflects the rural, working-dog culture of the region.

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.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does it only apply to dogs?

No-used metaphorically for people to mean "doesn’t know the basics."

What’s "sic ’em"?

A command to a dog to attack or chase ("sick ’em" is a folk spelling).

Is it rude?

Often teasing but can be blunt criticism depending on tone.

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