“Sic ’em” is an imperative slang phrase meaning to incite, encourage, or command someone—or an animal—to attack, pursue, or aggressively go after a target. Derived from the dialectal pronunciation of “seek them,” it is commonly used in modern texting and social media as a hyping-up phrase to tell a friend to pursue their goals, call someone out, or give 100% effort.
Whether you heard it on a football field, spotted it in a TikTok caption, or received it in a text from a friend encouraging you to go after a new job, the phrase has evolved from a literal attack command into a staple of modern motivational slang.
What Does “Sic ‘Em” Mean in Text & Chat?
In modern text conversations and instant messaging, “sic ’em” functions almost exclusively as an expression of enthusiasm, hype, and encouragement. When someone sends you “sic ’em” in a text, they aren’t asking you to commit violence; they are telling you to “go get ’em,” “take action,” or “show them what you’ve got.”
Straightforward, no confusion there.
The tone depends heavily on the context of the conversation:
- Motivational: Pushing a friend to excel during an interview, exam, or game.
- Aggressive/Playful: Urging a friend to confront someone in a chat or defend themselves in an argument.
- Supportive: Validating someone’s energy when they are on a roll.
What Does “Sic ‘Em” Mean From a Guy vs. a Girl?
Context matters, especially when reading intent across text threads. Here’s how the underlying energy shifts depending on who sends it:
When a Guy Texts “Sic ‘Em”
- Bro Culture & Hype: Guys frequently use “sic ’em” as a high-energy booster. If a guy texts you “sic ’em” before a big event or meeting, it’s equivalent to a digital chest bump.
- Competitive Edge: It appeals to a sports or hunting metaphor, urging you to be relentless and dominant in whatever task you’re tackling.
When a Girl Texts “Sic ‘Em”
- Unfiltered Support: When a girl sends “sic ’em,” it usually comes with a protective or hype-woman energy. If you’re complaining about a unfair situation or getting ready to confront someone, she’s giving you full permission to unleash your full argument.
- Playful Banter: In casual settings, it can be used sarcastically when someone is being overly competitive or dramatic.
| Aspect | Feature / Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Meaning | Command to attack, pursue, or aggressively engage a target |
| Modern Texting Meaning | “Go get ’em!”, “Get after it!”, or “Show them no mercy!” |
| Common Tone | Energetic, motivational, aggressive, or hype-building |
| Suitable For | Sports matches Pep talks Friendly encouragement Casual social media captions |
| Not Suitable For | Formal emails Professional HR disputes Serious medical or legal documentation |
Origin, History & Evolution
That’s not a glitch—”sic” has a deep etymological history that predates modern internet slang by centuries.
- The Etymological Root: The word “sic” in this context is an 18th-century dialectal corruption of the verb “seek.”
- Commanding Dogs: Historically, “Sic ’em!” (or “Sic ’em, boy!”) was used as an explicit command given to hunting or attack dogs to chase down game or intruders.
- College Football Culture: In the early-to-mid 20th century, the phrase transitioned into sports culture. Most notably, Baylor University adopted “Sic ‘Em” as their official university chant and cheer in 1960 alongside their mascot, the Bears.
- Hip-Hop & Pop Culture: By the late 1990s and 2000s, hip-hop artists and pop culture adopted the phrase to describe going after money, success, or rivals relentlessly.
- Modern Social Media: Today, “sic ’em” has lost its literal predatory edge, softening into a versatile piece of internet slang used to encourage bold action.
Usage Across Social Media Platforms
Here’s how “sic ’em” shows up across different platforms today:
- TikTok: Commonly used in audio clips or captions on videos featuring workout routines, sports highlights, pets acting tough, or dramatic comeback stories.
- Instagram: Frequently tagged in gym progress photos, game day posts, or caption comments like “Go sic ’em today! 🔥”.
- WhatsApp & SMS: Used in group chats as a quick response when someone announces a big accomplishment, upcoming challenge, or confrontation.
- Snapchat: Slapped onto selfies before an event, sporting match, or night out as an energetic status update.
Real Chat Examples & Real-World Scenarios
Here is how “sic ’em” naturally plays out in actual text exchanges:
Scenario 1: Pre-Job Interview Pep Talk
Friend A: I have my final round interview with the VP in 10 minutes. I’m so nervous.
Friend B: You’ve prepped for days. You know your stuff. Now go in there and sic ’em! 😤💪
Scenario 2: Handling Conflict
Friend A: My landlord is trying to keep my deposit again for no reason.
Friend B: Absolutely not. Send him the photos from move-in day and sic ’em. Don’t let him off the hook!
Scenario 3: Sports / Competition
Friend A: Heading onto the court for game 3!
Friend B: Sic ’em boys! Bring home the trophy! 🏆
Common Confusions, Mistakes & Wrong Interpretations
Here’s what most people miss when analyzing this term:
- “Sic” vs. “[sic]” in Writing: Do not confuse the slang phrase “sic ’em” with the Latin word [sic] used in journalism and publishing. Latin sic means “thus” or “just so,” and is placed in brackets after a quoted text to indicate that an error in the original quote was reproduced intentionally.
- Literal Animal Commands: Be mindful of context. Saying “sic ’em” around trained security dogs can still be taken as a literal command to attack.
- Misspelling as “Sick ’em”: While you will frequently see people write “sick ’em,” the original and correct spelling derived from “seek” is “sic ’em.”
Similar Terms, Alternatives & Cleaner Substitutes
If you want to convey the same energy using different words, here are the top options:
Modern Slang Alternatives
- “Go get ’em!” (Classic, universal equivalent)
- “Let ’em have it!” (Urging someone to speak up or push hard)
- “Lock in!” (Focus and perform at a high level)
- “Eat ’em up!” (Popular in pop culture and sports)
Professional / Clean Substitutes
- “Best of luck today.”
- “Give it your all.”
- “Go execute.”
How to Reply When Someone Uses This Term
When a friend or contact sends you “sic ’em,” tailor your reply to match the context:
1. Playful & Confident
- “You know it! 😈”
- “Say no more. Watch this.”
- “Taking no prisoners today!”
2. Supportive & Appreciative
- “Thanks for the hype! Needed that.”
- “Appreciate you! I’m going in.”
3. Casual / Humorous
- “Woof woof! 🐶”
- “Trying my best not to bite!”
Is “Sic ‘Em” Still Popular? (Current Trends & Longevity)
In short: Yes, it remains a stable slang phrase.
While “sic ’em” isn’t a brand-new viral term born yesterday, it has achieved long-term status in English slang. Thanks to college athletics, sports broadcasts, and its natural fit in texting culture as a motivational shorthand, the phrase maintains strong search demand and daily use.
Unlike short-lived viral trends that fade in months, “sic ’em” functions as an evergreen idiom that continues to adapt across digital platforms.
Summary Takeaway
Remember this core rule: “Sic ’em” is simply a verbal green light to go after something with energy. Whether you’re telling a friend to ace a job interview, crush a workout, or stand up for themselves, it’s all about channeling focused determination and giving someone the ultimate digital green light.
