Ever heard the term “86” and wondered what on earth it means? It’s a phrase that pops up in surprising places, especially in the fast-paced world of restaurants and bars. But its meaning goes beyond just food and drinks!
Most commonly, in a restaurant or bar, “86” means an item is simply, “out of stock” or “no longer available.” Think of it this way: if a special dish is super popular and they run out of ingredients, the kitchen will “86” it, telling the waitstaff not to take any more orders for it.
But “86” can also mean something else in hospitality: to “eject” or “refuse service” to a customer. If someone’s causing trouble, or perhaps had a few too many, they might get “86’d” from the establishment.
Beyond the restaurant scene, “86” has slipped into general American slang, broadly meaning to “get rid of,” “reject,” or “nix” something or someone. So, you might hear it used for anything from cancelling a plan to getting rid of an old item.
Now, where did this quirky term come from? Its exact origin is a bit murky, but there are some fun theories! One popular story links it to Chumley’s, a Prohibition-era speakeasy at 86 Bedford Street in New York City. Legend says police would tip off the bar about raids, and the bartender would tell customers to “86” it, meaning to exit through the secret back door at that address. Other theories suggest it came from soda fountains being “out of stock” or even from old bartending practices related to 86-proof whiskey.
So, whether a chef shouts it in the kitchen or you hear it in everyday conversation, “86” is a versatile piece of slang that just means something is gone, cancelled, or someone needs to leave! Pretty neat, right?