- Primarily used as an aggressive or incredulous request for someone to repeat what they just said, implying disbelief, challenge, or offense.
- It can occasionally mean a neutral Please repeat, but the context and tone usually make the aggressive meaning clear. It's much stronger than Could you repeat that?
Explanation
Origin
- A straightforward request (come back with what you said), but its common usage has imbued it with a confrontational tone.
- The abruptness and implied challenge (Did I hear you correctly?) give it its aggressive edge.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal (Aggressive/Disbelieving):
- The fuck you just say? (Extremely vulgar and confrontational)
- Run that by me again? (Can be neutral or challenging depending on tone)
- You talking to me? (Iconic confrontational line, implies offense taken)
- Hold up, what? (Expressing surprise/disbelief)
Milder (Neutral request):
- Sorry? (Common UK/Aus)
- I missed that.
Situational Appropriateness
- The aggressive form is highly informal and confrontational. Use only when intending to challenge someone directly and risk conflict. Avoid in polite or professional settings.
- The neutral form is acceptable but less common than other polite ways to ask for repetition (Sorry?, Could you repeat that?). Using Come again? neutrally risks being misunderstood as aggressive due to its more common confrontational usage.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The biggest risk is learners using Come again? thinking it's a standard polite way to ask for repetition, when it's often perceived as aggressive or challenging. Teach polite alternatives like Could you repeat that? or Sorry, I didn't catch that. first.
- Emphasize the crucial role of tone and context in distinguishing the neutral from the aggressive meaning.
Examples
- (After hearing an insult) Come again? What did you just say to me?
- (In disbelief) You want to borrow $1000? Come again?
- (Less common, neutral) Sorry, the line cut out. Come again? (Tone would be softer here)
Dialogue
Person A: ...and that's why your idea is completely stupid.
Person B: (Turning sharply) Come again?
Person A: Uh... I mean, maybe it needs more thought?
Person B: That's not what you said.
Social Media Examples
- (Usually in text arguments/replies)
- Reply: You think that movie was historically accurate? Come again? It was full of errors. #facepalm
- Comment: (Responding to an outrageous claim) Wait, come again? You actually believe that??
- Text Message: My landlord wants to increase the rent by 30%. ME: Come again? 🤯
Response Patterns
- (If challenged) Repeating the statement, possibly more forcefully.
- (If challenged) Backing down or clarifying: No, I didn't mean it like that, I said...
- (If neutral request) Repeating the original statement clearly.
- (Confused) What? Why?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After the aggressive Come again?:
- The person challenged must decide whether to stand by their statement, clarify, or retreat.
- The asker is likely poised for an argument or confrontation based on the repetition.
- The asker might follow up with Did you just say [offensive thing]? or Are you serious?
After the neutral Come again?:
- The speaker repeats the information. The listener usually says Thanks or responds to the repeated information.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a reaction to something someone else has said.
Intonation
- Aggressive/Incredulous: Sharp, rising intonation, often louder. Stress on COME and AGAIN. COME AGAIN?!
- Neutral (rare): Softer, questioning intonation. Come again?
Generation Differences
- Understood across generations, but the aggressive usage might be more recognized or employed.
Regional Variations
- Used in most English-speaking regions. The frequency of the neutral vs. aggressive meaning might vary. In the US, it often carries the aggressive connotation.