What is the meaning of "here" at the end of a sentence and how should it be used?

I have had a few international friends ask about "here" when used at the end of a sentence such as

• "I could use a little help here!"

or

• "Buy me some time here!"

I would like to better explain this to them, but my best explanation is that adding "here" gives a feeling of desperation to a sentence. Even if that is a perfect explanation of the role of "here" in such exclamatory sentences (which I doubt), it doesn't provide them with an explanation of when it should or should not be used.

Could you please explain the use of "here" in these sentences?

Solution 1:

It means roughly the same thing as "here" usually means:

Bring the box over here.

I could use some help here.

Idiomatically, it is often said with extreme urgency:

I need some help here!

But there is nothing terribly abnormal about this usage. It just means "here", but more importantly.

here —

1. in this place: in, at, or to the place where you are, or at a place near you
2. at this point or stage: used to draw attention to a particular point or stage in a situation
3. now: indicates a situation or event that is happening at the present time

All three of these definitions would apply.

Solution 2:

In the examples quoted

I could use a little help here!

and

Buy me some time here!

the term "here" at the end gives an indication of urgency, and easily could be changed to "now" without changing its meaning.

The need the assistance right now and right here.