Have you ever wondered, what does 86 stand for? This seemingly simple number carries a variety of fascinating meanings in different contexts, cultures, and industries. Whether you’ve encountered it in restaurants, pop culture, or daily slang, understanding the origins and uses of “86” can unveil an intriguing story behind its application. In this article, we’ll explore the multiple meanings of 86, its historical background, and why it remains a popular term today.
What Does 86 Stand For? Understanding Its Origins
The phrase “86” has been a staple in American slang, especially in the food and beverage industry, for decades. At its core, 86 generally means to eliminate, cancel, or refuse something or someone. But where did this expression come from, and why did it gain such widespread use?
Early Theories About the Origin of 86
Several theories have been proposed regarding the origin of 86:
- Bar and Restaurant Jargon: One common belief is that 86 originated in the restaurant world, where it was used to indicate that an item was out of stock or that a customer should be refused service.
- Prohibition-Era Code: During Prohibition, some say 86 was a code to discard illegal alcohol quickly to avoid detection.
- Numerical Coding: It may derive from rhyming slang or numerical codes where 86 rhymes with “nix” or is a shorthand for “to get rid of”.
- Historical Addresses: Some attribute the term to an address – 86 Bedford Street in New York, said to be a speakeasy or bar with a unique way of signaling to staff.
Common Uses of 86 in Modern Language
In contemporary usage, 86 is most commonly heard in the following scenarios:
- Food Service: When a dish is no longer available, servers will say it’s “86’d,” meaning it’s off the menu.
- Removing Customers: Bartenders or bouncers might say they are going to “86” a patron, indicating they are being kicked out.
- General Elimination: More broadly, “to 86 something” means to get rid of it or cancel it.
The Cultural Significance of 86
The use of 86 has expanded beyond restaurant slang into popular culture, music, and everyday speech. Its versatility as a term to discard or reject something has made it a useful and colorful addition to English vernacular.
86 in Music and Media
You might hear the term in song lyrics, movies, or TV shows, often implying that something or someone is being removed or eliminated:
- In punk and hardcore music scenes, “86” is sometimes used to evoke themes of rejection or exclusion.
- Television and films use “86” naturally when depicting restaurant scenes or to imply that someone is being thrown out of a place.
Why Does 86 Remain Popular Today?
The longevity of 86 can be attributed to its concise and impactful nature. It conveys a clear message quickly, which is essential in fast-paced environments like bars and restaurants. Moreover, its quirky history and mystery add to its appeal as a slang term.
Other Interesting Meanings of 86
While “to 86” is primarily about removal or cancellation, the number itself has additional meanings in various fields. Here are some examples:
- Mathematics: 86 is an even composite number with divisors 1, 2, 43, and 86.
- Year References: It can represent a year, such as 1986, which had significant historical events.
- Cars and Entertainment: The Toyota AE86 is a famous car model that has gained cult status among car enthusiasts and was featured prominently in popular culture.
Summary: What Does 86 Stand For?
In conclusion, the question “what does 86 stand for?” is rich with multiple answers depending on context. Primarily, it refers to the act of eliminating or rejecting something, originating from slang used in the food and beverage industry. Over time, its usage has permeated popular culture, maintaining its relevance and utility.
Understanding what 86 stands for can enhance your appreciation of this quirky term and how language evolves. Whether in a restaurant wanting to “86” a dish, or in casual talk meaning to nix an idea, it’s clear that 86 packs a powerful punch in few digits.
