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Eighty-six or 86 is American English slang used to indicate that an item is no longer available, traditionally from a food or drinks establishment, or referring to a person or people who are not welcome on the premises. Its etymology is unknown, but seems to have been coined in the 1920s or 1930s.
Eighty-six is slang meaning "to throw out," "to get rid of," or "to refuse service to." It comes from 1930s soda-counter slang meaning that an item was sold out. There is varying anecdotal evidence about why the term eighty-six was used, but the most common theory is that it is rhyming slang for nix.
Oct 5, 2007 · To get rid of, originally for killing someone. The phrase "80 miles out and 6 feet under" was reserved for someone who had to dig their own grave 80 miles from civilization and then get shot execution-style. All terms for 86'd originated from this, be it alcohol or eliminating.
Jan 15, 2013 · My husband and I both have extensive experience in the restaurant business, and when something is "86'd," it means it is no longer available. As in, someone would say "86 garlic mashed potatoes" — and it would mean we are out of garlic mashed potatoes for the night.
When there are not enough ingredients left to make a popular dish or drink, they'll have to 86 it. This prevents customers from ordering it and then getting upset.
Origin of To 86 Something. The expression first appeared in the first half of the 1900s. The exact origin is unclear, but the most cited story relates to the restaurant industry in the early 20th century. In the 1930s, many restaurants used 86 as shorthand code for “we’re out of this item.”.
Mar 30, 2023 · According to some theories, in bar lingo, that person would have been “86’d.” Eight Feet Long, Six Feet Under. Perhaps the birth of this phrase occurred in death?
Mar 9, 1984 · The term derives via a roundabout route from a number code allegedly in wide use in 1920s diners and soda fountains. 86 supposedly meant, “We’re all out of the item ordered,” said by the cook or some other honcho to a soda jerk or similar minion.
Apr 20, 2006 · "86'd" was enforced or re-introduced as an American phrase when Jerry Lewis played "Kreton" an alien with super powers in a kids move in 1960 called "Visit to a Small Planet." In the move, Jerry uses number commands to make his powers work.
Mar 9, 2009 · An 'eighty-six', in the patois of western dispensers, means: 'Don't serve him.'" The most widely accepted theory of the term's origin states it derives from a code supposedly used in some...
