“What does it mean to 86?” This question pops up frequently in conversations around restaurants, bars, and even everyday slang. The phrase “to 86” is rich with history and intrigue, carrying subtle meanings that have evolved over time. Whether you’ve heard it during a night out or read it in a script, understanding what it means to 86 reveals more than just a simple idiom—it opens a window into culture, communication, and sometimes chaos. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what it means to 86, exploring its origins, uses, and how it permeated different aspects of society.
What Does It Mean to 86? Exploring the Definition
At its core, to 86 means to remove, reject, or refuse something or someone. It’s often used in hospitality settings, such as bars or restaurants, where a dish or drink might be “86ed”—meaning it’s no longer available. Similarly, patrons may be “86ed” from a venue if they’ve been barred or asked to leave. Essentially, it denotes a form of removal or denial.
Common Uses of “To 86”
- Removing an item from availability: A restaurant might 86 a menu item if they run out of ingredients.
- Banning a person: A bar can 86 a disruptive customer, refusing them entry.
- Rejecting a request or idea: Used metaphorically to mean dismissing a proposal or plan.
The Expression in Everyday Language
Outside professional settings, “to 86” is used more informally to signify getting rid of something or abruptly ending it. People might say, “Let’s 86 this plan” or “We need to 86 those old clothes,” indicating a desire to discard or abandon.
The Origins of “To 86”
The phrase’s origin is subject to various theories, none universally confirmed but all fascinating.
Possible Origins
- Restaurant Code: One popular theory says 86 originated as a euphemism in American diners and soda fountains in the early 20th century, where “86” indicated an item was no longer available.
- Prohibition Era: Some attribute the term to speakeasies during Prohibition, where “86” signaled an exit or needed removal of people to avoid police raids.
- Military Influence: It is also linked to military slang where numbers were codes for commands or statuses.
- Rhyming Slang: “86” rhyming with “nix,” meaning to cancel or nix something, possibly influenced the term’s usage.
While the exact origin remains a mystery, these theories highlight how integrated and long-standing the phrase is.
Why Understanding “What Does It Mean to 86” Matters
Knowing what it means to 86 is useful beyond just language trivia. It helps you:
- Navigate social situations: Understanding when someone says to 86 something helps you catch on to subtle cues in conversation.
- Decipher restaurant or bar lingo: It’s common for staff and patrons in hospitality to use this term regularly.
- Use language creatively: Incorporating idioms like 86 can add flavor to your writing and speaking.
- Appreciate cultural history: The term’s rich background connects modern speech with historical contexts.
Examples of “To 86” in Sentences
- “The kitchen just 86ed the salmon; can I get you something else?”
- “After his rude behavior, the bouncer 86ed him from the club.”
- “We’ll have to 86 that idea since it’s not feasible.”
- “Let’s 86 this outdated policy and try something new.”
Conclusion
So, what does it mean to 86? It means to reject, remove, or cancel something or someone, often abruptly. The phrase is deeply rooted in American slang, with intriguing origins linked to restaurants, prohibition, and military jargon. Whether you’re in the hospitality industry or just a lover of language, understanding this phrase enriches your grasp of communication, culture, and history.
Next time you hear someone say they want to 86 a plan or a person, you’ll know exactly what they mean: it’s time to cut it out—permanently.
