eighty-six Meaning

Eighty-Six

Definition: “Eighty-six” is a verb used in informal language, primarily in American English. It generally means to reject, dismiss, remove, or to throw out. In the context of restaurants and bars, it often refers to the act of discontinuing a menu item or removing a customer from an establishment. It can also imply that something is no longer available or has been cancelled.

Usage:

To indicate the removal of an item: “We’re out of the special, so we’ll have to eighty-six it.”
To refer to a person being kicked out: “That rowdy customer was eighty-sixed after he started causing trouble.”
In a broader context: “I think we should eighty-six that plan; it’s just not feasible.”

Etymology: The origin of “eighty-six” is somewhat unclear, with several theories proposed. One of the most common theories links it to 19th-century American slang. While it is thought to have originated in the United States, the precise timeframe is difficult to pin down. Some sources suggest that it may refer to a menu item number in a restaurant which was 86th on the list, while others have posited connections to codes or procedures used in the bar and restaurant trades or even the idea of “eighty-sixing” something as a method of removing or discarding.

Pronunciation: /ˈeɪ.ti.sɪks/ (AY-tee-siks)

Synonyms:

Discard
Eliminate
Remove
Reject
Cancel
Ax (informally)

Antonyms:

Keep
Retain
Accept
Include
Add

“Eighty-six” is often used informally and is commonly understood within the context of food service and hospitality, though its usage has expanded into everyday conversation. Its presence is noted in popular culture and literature, further solidifying its place in the English vernacular.

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