- An informal way to ask someone to repeat what they just said because you didn't hear or understand it.
- Can also express disbelief or surprise at what was said.
Explanation
Origin
- Likely a shortening of a phrase like Could you come back to that point again? or simply Come [say it] again.
- Its usage dates back quite a while, appearing in literature as a colloquialism.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Say what now?
- Huh? / Wut? (Online slang)
- Back up, what did you say?
More Formal:
- Could you repeat that, please?
- I'm sorry, I missed that.
Expressing Strong Disbelief:
- Are you serious?
- You cannot be serious!
- No fucking way! (Vulgar)
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Best used with friends, family, or in casual settings.
- Avoid in formal situations (meetings, presentations, speaking to superiors) where Could you repeat that? is preferred.
- Can sound abrupt or even challenging depending on tone and context.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Could be misunderstood literally as visit again by non-native speakers unfamiliar with the idiom, although context usually makes the meaning clear.
- Tone is important; it can sound demanding if not delivered casually.
Examples
- Person A: (Mumbles something) Person B: Come again?
- Person A: I'm quitting my job to become a street performer. Person B: Come again? You're doing what? (Expressing surprise)
- Sorry, the connection's bad. Come again?
Dialogue
Leo: Hey, did you see that squirrel just steal Dave's sandwich?
Mia: Come again?
Leo: That squirrel! It just ran off with Dave's lunch!
Mia: No way! (Looks around) That's hilarious!
Social Media Examples
- (Replying to a surprising tweet): User B: Come again? Did you really just say that?
- (In a casual chat): Person 1: gonna dye my hair green Person 2: come again??
Response Patterns
- The speaker repeats their statement.
- If used to express surprise, the speaker might confirm: Yes, you heard me right. or elaborate.
- Sometimes met with slight annoyance if the asker seemed not to be paying attention.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After asking Come again?:
- The asker listens for the repetition or confirmation.
After hearing the repetition/confirmation:
- The asker might say Okay, thanks, or react to the content (Wow, really?).
Conversation Starter
- No.
- It's a response asking for repetition or expressing surprise.
Intonation
- Usually has a sharp rising intonation at the end: Come aGAIN?
- When expressing disbelief, the tone might be more incredulous or sharper.
- Stress is firmly on again.
Generation Differences
- Understood by most generations but might sound slightly dated or more common among older generations in some circles. Younger people might prefer What? or Say what?.
Regional Variations
- More common in American English than British English, though understood in both.