I did a Google search on the term "Sick em". The most prevalent result I got was in reference to a Seattle based punk rock band whose name I won't mention here. I did find a blog post using the term "sick 'em". When I read it they were referring to Baylor University and why they did not attend; apparently because of the cheerleaders ???) and the fact that Purdue pasted the Men's Basketball team in the 2008 NCAA tournament. Still I didn't think that was the proper usage.
I continued to search.
I started consulting online dictionaries and various etymology sites. It was a little hard to find. However, I learned that "sic' em" has its roots in the term "seek 'em". And has evolved or devolved (Take your pick) into it's current "sic' em" meaning "to attack or incite to attack".
And yes, I learned that "sick" is a variant for "sic". It still just doesn't look right.
SIC' EM BEARS!
(Number 2 in the 2009 Big 12 Tournament.)
© 2009 Barry T Horst
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