86 (term)

86 is a term used in the food service industry and bar industry to indicate that an item on the menu is not available anymore. The term is also used more broadly in American English to mean "get rid of" or "throw out".

Origin

The origin of the term "86" is unclear, with several theories proposed. Some suggest it originated in the Prohibition era of the United States, when a bar in New York City located on 86 Bedford Street would tell its patrons to "86" when the police were approaching, meaning they should quickly exit the back door. Another theory suggests that it comes from the practice of coding certain actions in the food service industry, where 86 was the code for "we're all out of it".

Usage

In the food service industry, if a particular dish or ingredient is 86'd, it means that it is no longer available. For example, if a restaurant has run out of steak, the server might tell the kitchen to "86 the steak". This term is also used in the bar industry to indicate that a particular drink is no longer available.

In a broader context, to 86 something means to get rid of it or to reject it. For example, if a project is not going well, a manager might decide to 86 it.

In popular culture

The term 86 has been used in various forms of media, often to add a touch of authenticity to scenes depicting the food service industry. It has been used in television shows like Seinfeld and The West Wing, and in films like Waitress.

See also

• List of English-language idioms
• American English