What Does it Mean to 86 Something?

When it comes to idioms and unique expressions in the English language, one that might leave many of us scratching our heads is ‘to 86 something.’ Is it some new-fangled mathematical formula? Nothing as complicated, rest assured! It’s simply an idiom that has found its way into English-speaking workplaces, particularly bars and restaurants.

Understanding the Phrase ’86’

The term ’86,’ or to ’86 something,’ is a slang term predominantly used within the service industry. When you 86 something, it means you are canceling it, eliminating it, or rejecting it. The term can also refer to refusing service to a customer for any number of reasons. Predominantly, it finds its usage in bars and restaurants to refer to menu items that have run out or customers who are no longer welcomed due to non-compliant behavior.

The Origins of ’86’

There are several theories about how the term came to be. One popular idea suggests it originated during the Prohibition era in the US when patrons of ’86 Bedford Street’ – a popular speakeasy – were warned to ’86’ their drinking when the police were about to raid.

Another theory points to café lingo used by lunch counter clerks in the 1930s. In this code language, 86 was supposedly the number for ‘we’re all out of it’. In a similar vein, it’s believed to have roots in the kitchen, where it could mean throwing something into the trash can – which was typically 86 inches tall.

’86-ed’ Outside of Food Industry

Although the term ’86’ is most commonly used in restaurants and bars, its usage has expanded to other fields and situations. Today, you might hear it in retail shops to refer to out-of-stock items or even in casual conversations to suggest abandoning a plan or idea.

For instance, if a particular strategy isn’t working in a business, someone might suggest ’86-ing’ the plan – that is, getting rid of it and possibly coming up with a new strategy. Similarly, if a group of friends were planning on going for a movie, and one of them couldn’t make it, the others might ’86’ – or cancel – the plan.

In Summary

So, then to ’86’ something is to cut it out, cancel it, get rid of it, or even refuse it. Originating from the service industry, particularly bars and restaurants, the term has spread its wings to different fields and in casual everyday language, making it a quirky and essential addition to the vernacular.

Remember, the next time you hear someone talk about ’86-ing’ something, they don’t necessarily mean getting rid of a physical thing – it can be an idea, a plan, an event, or even a person from a venue. After all, language is fluid and constantly evolving, and the idiom ’86’ is no exception.

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