In the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the US, touring circuses and carnivals were booming in the US. As they moved from town to town, it wasn’t unusual for fights between carnies and townsfolk, who were often referred to as rubes by the showfolk. If a carny was threatened, or found themself in a dust-up with a local, they would yell “Hey Rube!”, and everyone on the show within hearing distance would rush to help their comrade.
In my time crewing for a sideshow, I only ever heard this cry go out once. We all went to investigate. Fortunately it was a false alarm, but we came ready to fight. Who knows how many times my great granduncle Mose may have done the same?
Let’s bring this phrase back into wider use. If you find yourself accosted by one or more rubes, give the call. Those in the know might just come to your aid.