The number 86. It’s a seemingly innocuous pair of digits, but within the realms of restaurants, bars, and beyond, it carries a weight of meaning far exceeding its numerical value. "86" isn’t just a number; it’s a versatile nickname, a coded message, and a linguistic shortcut with a rich and surprisingly murky history. Understanding the various meanings associated with "86" unlocks a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of slang and the hidden languages of various professions.
This article will delve into the multifaceted world of "86," exploring its origins, its diverse applications, and the enduring mystery surrounding its true etymology. We’ll uncover the most common interpretations, investigate the competing theories about its birth, and examine how its usage has evolved over time. Prepare to be "86’d" from ignorance and enlightened by the fascinating story of this ubiquitous nickname.
The Eight Dominant Meanings of "86": A Comprehensive Overview
The core meaning of "86" revolves around the concept of removal, cancellation, or unavailability. However, the specific nuance shifts depending on the context. Here are eight of the most prevalent meanings of "86":
1. Running Out of an Item (Restaurant/Bar Context): This is arguably the most common and widely understood meaning. When a restaurant or bar employee announces that they are "86’ing" an item, it signifies that they have run out of it. This could be a specific ingredient, a particular dish, a popular cocktail, or even a brand of liquor.
- Example: "We’re 86’ing the salmon tonight. The last order just went out."
2. Removing an Item from the Menu (Permanent or Temporary): Closely related to the first meaning, "86" can also indicate the permanent or temporary removal of an item from the menu. This might be due to low demand, seasonal availability, or a change in the restaurant’s offerings.
- Example: "Chef decided to 86 the lasagna. It wasn’t selling well."
3. Refusing Service to a Customer (Banning/Blacklisting): This meaning takes on a more serious tone. "86’ing" a customer means refusing to serve them, often due to disruptive behavior, intoxication, or violation of house rules. This is essentially a banishment from the establishment.
- Example: "That guy’s had too much to drink. We need to 86 him before he starts trouble."
4. Eliminating or Getting Rid of Something: This meaning extends beyond the culinary realm and encompasses the general idea of elimination or disposal. It can refer to getting rid of unwanted items, deleting files, or removing obstacles.
- Example: "I need to 86 all these old reports. They’re just taking up space."
5. Canceling or Nullifying Something: Similar to eliminating, "86" can also mean to cancel or nullify something, such as an order, a plan, or an appointment.
- Example: "The meeting’s been 86’d due to unforeseen circumstances."
6. Rejecting or Discarding Something: This usage implies a more critical assessment, where something is deemed unsatisfactory and rejected or discarded.
- Example: "The editor 86’d my first draft. I need to start over."
7. Killing Someone (Slang/Criminal Underworld): This is a less common, and often more figurative, meaning, typically found in slang or within the context of criminal activity. It implies the act of killing or eliminating someone, often in a clandestine or forceful manner.
- Example: (In a fictional crime drama) "They’re planning to 86 him before he can testify."
8. Avoiding or Ignoring Something: This interpretation suggests actively avoiding or ignoring a particular person, situation, or task.
- Example: "I’m trying to 86 all the negativity in my life."
The Enigmatic Origins of "86": A Quest for the Truth
Despite its widespread use, the origin of "86" remains shrouded in mystery. Numerous theories have been proposed, each with varying degrees of plausibility. Here are some of the most prominent contenders:
1. Chumley’s Bar in New York City: One of the most popular theories attributes the origin to Chumley’s, a historic speakeasy in New York City’s Greenwich Village. According to this explanation, whenever the police were about to raid the bar, the staff would shout "86," referring to the bar’s address at 86 Bedford Street. This would alert patrons to exit the premises before the authorities arrived.
- The Pros: The Chumley’s theory is compelling due to the bar’s history and its connection to the Prohibition era. It provides a plausible explanation for the term’s association with removal and avoidance.
- The Cons: Concrete evidence supporting this theory is scarce. There are no documented accounts from the time that explicitly link "86" to Chumley’s. Furthermore, the term’s usage extends beyond the context of police raids, suggesting a broader origin.
2. Old Slang for "Out": Another theory suggests that "86" is simply rhyming slang for "out." While not a direct rhyme, the phonetic similarity could have led to its adoption as a coded term for being out of something or being expelled from a place.
- The Pros: This theory is straightforward and easy to understand. Rhyming slang is a common feature of English slang, and it’s plausible that "86" evolved through this process.
- The Cons: The connection between "86" and "out" is relatively weak. There are more obvious rhyming slang alternatives that could have been used. This theory also doesn’t fully explain the term’s diverse applications.
3. Restaurant Code for "Shortage": Some believe that "86" originated as a code used in restaurants to indicate a shortage of an item. The number 86 may have been assigned arbitrarily to this meaning, perhaps as a way to avoid confusion with other numerical codes.
- The Pros: This theory aligns well with the term’s primary usage in the restaurant industry. It suggests a practical and efficient way for staff to communicate about inventory issues.
- The Cons: There’s limited historical evidence to support this theory. It’s difficult to trace the specific origins of restaurant codes and pinpoint the exact moment when "86" became associated with shortages.
4. Military Code or Radio Communication: Another possibility is that "86" originated as a military code or a shorthand term used in radio communication. The number may have been assigned a specific meaning related to cancellation, elimination, or removal.
- The Pros: Military jargon often influences civilian language, and it’s conceivable that "86" was adopted from military usage.
- The Cons: Finding concrete evidence of "86" being used in this way is challenging. Military codes are often confidential, and their adoption into civilian language may not be well-documented.
5. The Delmonico’s Restaurant Theory: This theory posits that Delmonico’s, a legendary New York City restaurant, had a menu item numbered 86 that was particularly unpopular. When a customer ordered it, the staff would "86" the order, meaning they would discreetly cancel it to avoid disappointing the diner.
- The Pros: This theory provides a specific context for the term’s association with cancellation and removal. Delmonico’s was a highly influential restaurant, and its practices could have spread to other establishments.
- The Cons: This theory relies on anecdotal evidence and is difficult to verify. It’s unclear whether Delmonico’s actually had a menu item numbered 86 or whether the staff routinely cancelled orders in this way.
6. Early Teletype Machine Codes: Some researchers suggest that "86" might have been a code used in early teletype machines to signify the end of a message or a cancellation.
- The Pros: This theory connects "86" to the early days of electronic communication, which could explain its rapid spread across different industries.
- The Cons: This theory requires further investigation. It’s difficult to access historical records of early teletype machine codes and confirm whether "86" was indeed used in this way.
7. Bootlegging Era Slang: During the Prohibition era, "86" may have been used as slang among bootleggers to signify the removal or disposal of illegal alcohol.
- The Pros: This theory aligns with the era of secrecy and coded language that characterized the Prohibition era.
- The Cons: This theory lacks concrete evidence and relies on speculation about the language used by bootleggers.
8. The "Eighty-Sixing" Process in Factories: Some argue that "86" originated in factories where faulty or defective products were "eighty-sixed" – meaning they were removed from the production line and discarded.
- The Pros: This theory provides a tangible connection to the concept of removal and disposal.
- The Cons: Finding specific historical examples of this usage is difficult.
The Evolution of "86": From Code to Commonplace
Regardless of its exact origins, "86" has evolved from a coded term used within specific professions to a more widely understood and accepted part of the English lexicon. Its versatility and brevity have contributed to its enduring popularity.
Today, "86" is used in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to formal business settings. While its primary association remains with the restaurant and bar industry, its broader meaning of removal, cancellation, or unavailability is increasingly recognized.
The Enduring Appeal of "86": Brevity and Versatility
The enduring appeal of "86" lies in its brevity and versatility. It’s a quick and efficient way to communicate a complex idea, whether it’s running out of an ingredient, refusing service to a customer, or canceling a meeting. Its coded nature also adds a layer of intrigue and exclusivity, particularly within the industries where it’s most commonly used.
Conclusion: The Mystery Remains, the Meaning Endures
The true origins of "86" may forever remain a mystery. The competing theories, while plausible, lack definitive proof. However, the ambiguity surrounding its birth only adds to its mystique. What is clear is that "86" has become a valuable and versatile tool in the English language, serving as a shorthand for removal, cancellation, and unavailability. From the bustling kitchens of restaurants to the clandestine corners of the criminal underworld, "86" continues to be a relevant and recognizable term, a testament to the enduring power of slang and the enduring mystery of language. So, the next time you hear someone say "86," remember the rich and complex history behind those two simple digits. You’ll be far from "86’d" from the conversation. You’ll be in the know.