What Does It Mean When Someone Says Eighty-six

In everyday conversations, you might have heard someone say they need to "eighty-six" something or someone. This phrase can seem confusing at first glance, especially if you're unfamiliar with its origins or various meanings. Understanding what it means when someone uses the term "eighty-six" can help you better interpret conversations, especially in hospitality, business, or casual settings. In this article, we'll explore the different interpretations of this phrase, its origins, and how it's used in different contexts.

What Does It Mean When Someone Says Eighty-six

The phrase "eighty-six" has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Primarily, it originates from American slang and has become a common term across various industries, especially in restaurants and bars. Its core meaning generally revolves around the idea of removing, rejecting, or discontinuing something or someone. However, the specific usage can vary widely, which can sometimes lead to confusion for those unfamiliar with the phrase.

The Origins of the Phrase "Eighty-six"

The origin of "eighty-six" is somewhat uncertain, with several theories explaining its beginnings:

• Prohibition Era: One popular theory suggests that it originated during the Prohibition era (1920-1933) in the United States, where bar staff would use "86" as a code to indicate that a customer was no longer welcome or that a certain drink was unavailable.
• Military Slang: Some believe it comes from military slang, where "86" was used as a code for eliminating or disposing of something or someone.
• Restaurant Industry: In the restaurant world, "eighty-six" is often used to indicate that a menu item is sold out or that a particular ingredient is unavailable.

While the true origin remains debated, what’s clear is that the phrase has been adopted widely in American English and beyond, with its meaning evolving over time.

Different Contexts and Meanings of "Eighty-six"

1. In the Hospitality and Restaurant Industry

Perhaps the most common usage of "eighty-six" is within the hospitality industry, especially in restaurants, bars, and cafes. Here, it typically means:

• Item is unavailable: When a server or bartender says "eighty-six that," they mean the dish, drink, or ingredient is sold out or no longer available.
• To remove or discard an item: Staff might use the term to indicate that an ingredient or dish should be taken off the menu or discarded.
• Customer is being asked to leave: In some cases, "eighty-six" can imply that a customer should be asked to leave or is no longer welcome.

Example: A bartender notices they are out of a particular liquor and tells the kitchen, "Eighty-six the gin," meaning the gin is unavailable for the night.

2. As a General Term for Discarding or Eliminating

"Eighty-six" can be used more broadly outside the hospitality industry to mean removing, rejecting, or dismissing something or someone. For example:

• "We had to eighty-six that plan after the budget cuts."
• "The manager eighty-sixed the idea during the meeting."

In this context, it functions as a synonym for "cancel," "reject," or "discard."

3. As a Code for Disposing of or Eliminating

In some environments, especially in military or law enforcement contexts, "eighty-six" can serve as a covert or shorthand way to refer to eliminating or disposing of a person or object. This usage is less common in everyday speech but is notable in specific jargon.

4. In Popular Culture and Slang

The phrase has also permeated popular culture, appearing in movies, TV shows, and music. Sometimes, it’s used humorously or casually to mean dismissing or rejecting something or someone.

For example, in the TV series "Cheers," the bartender frequently used "86" to dismiss customers or items.

Examples of "Eighty-six" in Sentences

To better understand how "eighty-six" is used, here are some typical examples:

• "Can you eighty-six the chicken salad? We’re out of it for the night."
• "The manager eighty-sixed the idea because it wasn’t feasible."
• "We had to eighty-six that old computer; it kept crashing."
• "Sorry, but we have to eighty-six you from the store for causing a disturbance."

Key Points to Remember About "Eighty-six"

In summary, the phrase "eighty-six" is a versatile term with roots in American slang, primarily used in the hospitality industry but also in broader contexts. Its core meaning involves removing, rejecting, or discarding something or someone. Whether indicating that a menu item is sold out, a plan is canceled, or a person is asked to leave, "eighty-six" serves as a concise code that communicates the need to eliminate or reject.

Understanding the context in which it's used is essential to interpreting its intended meaning accurately. While its origins are subject to debate, its widespread usage today makes it a valuable phrase to recognize in various social and professional settings.

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