The Secret History Of '86': Five Fascinating Meanings Of The Ultimate Restaurant Code Word

Few phrases in American English carry the weight, mystery, and cultural history of the simple number '86.' What began as a cryptic code word in the bustling kitchens and prohibition-era bars of the 1930s has evolved into a versatile slang term used across industries, from the culinary world to modern political commentary. As of December 2025, understanding '86' is essential for anyone looking to decode the fast-paced language of the hospitality industry or grasp a piece of enduring American jargon.

The term "eighty-six" is fundamentally an instruction—a blunt command to "get rid of" or "nix" something or someone. While its exact etymology is still a subject of spirited debate among historians and linguists, its primary and most famous application remains deeply rooted in the restaurant and bar environment, where it acts as a crucial, high-stakes communication tool.

The Definitive Meanings of '86' in the Hospitality Industry

The most common and universally understood meaning of '86' is found in the high-pressure world of professional kitchens and front-of-house operations. This term functions as a critical piece of culinary communication, ensuring smooth service and managing customer expectations.

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1. '86' as "Out of Stock" or "Sold Out"

This is the primary definition used by chefs, line cooks, and servers. When a dish or ingredient is no longer available, the kitchen calls out "86 the salmon" or "We're 86'd on the key lime pie." It is an immediate instruction to remove the item from the menu board, stop taking orders for it, and inform the front-of-house staff. This use of "86" is a crucial operational term, preventing a frustrating scenario where a server takes an order that the kitchen cannot fulfill. This practice ensures efficient service and helps manage inventory in real-time.

Key Entities in Kitchen Communication:

• Line Cook: The person who often calls out the '86' when a station runs dry.
• Server/Waitstaff: The team responsible for communicating the '86' status to the customer.
• Food Inventory: The resource that is now depleted, triggering the '86' status.
• Menu Engineering: The process of adapting the menu based on '86' items.

2. '86' as "Refuse Service" or "Eject a Customer"

The second, more confrontational meaning of '86' is used in bars and restaurants to refer to an unruly or overly intoxicated patron. In this context, to "86 a customer" means to refuse to serve them any more alcohol or, more severely, to ask them to leave the premises—to "kick them out." This is often a last resort for bartenders and managers to maintain order, comply with liquor laws, and ensure the safety of other guests.

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This meaning aligns more closely with the general slang definition of "to get rid of." It's a discreet bar terminology code word that allows staff to communicate a serious situation without alarming the guest or other patrons. For instance, a bartender might quietly tell the bouncer, "Table four needs to be 86'd."

The Mysterious Origins: Unraveling the Etymology of '86'

The precise origin of the term '86' is one of the great linguistic mysteries, with several compelling theories vying for the title of the definitive source. The term first appeared in the early 1930s, initially as a noun, and then quickly became a verb. While no single theory is universally accepted, exploring them provides rich context for the phrase's enduring appeal.

Theory 1: The Speakeasy and Chumley's Bar (86 Bedford Street)

Perhaps the most romantic theory traces the term to the Prohibition era in New York City. The famous speakeasy, Chumley's, was located at 86 Bedford Street in Greenwich Village. According to this lore, when authorities or police were approaching, bartenders would use '86' as a code to signal that patrons should be escorted out the back door, away from the main entrance, to avoid a raid. The act of being "86'd" meant you were being sent out of 86 Bedford Street.

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Key Entities:

• Chumley's: The famous bar at the center of this theory.
• 86 Bedford Street: The physical address that gives the term its number.
• Prohibition Era: The historical context that necessitated secret code words.
• Speakeasy Culture: The environment where this type of secret communication thrived.

Theory 2: The Soda Counter Slang

Another popular and more widely cited theory, supported by sources like Merriam-Webster, suggests that '86' originated as soda-counter slang in the 1930s. In this environment, the term was used specifically to indicate that an item was sold out. This aligns perfectly with the primary modern use in the food and beverage industry. The simple, two-digit code was efficient for fast-paced communication over a busy counter.

Theory 3: Rhyming Slang and Code Words

Several other theories exist, some based on rhyming slang or specific regulations:

• Rhyming Slang: Some suggest it is a form of rhyming slang, where "nix" or "fix" rhymes with a phrase ending in eighty-six.
• New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) Code: A less-substantiated theory suggests it relates to a specific regulation, such as Section 86 of a liquor code that outlines the rules for refusing service to intoxicated persons.
• Mob Terminology: In a darker context, some accounts suggest '86' was a mob term meaning "to take out" or "to eliminate" someone.

'86' in Modern Slang and Popular Culture

Beyond the hospitality industry, '86' has firmly cemented its place in general American slang, often appearing in media, film, and even political discourse. Its meaning has been generalized to any act of rejection, cancellation, or removal.

3. '86' as a General Term for "Cancel" or "Reject"

In everyday conversation, to "86 an idea" means to scrap it entirely. To "86 a plan" means to cancel it. The term is a concise, punchy way to communicate that something has been definitively removed from consideration. It's a quick, efficient code word for "nix it."

4. '86' in Pop Culture and Media

The term has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and books, particularly those focusing on kitchen or bar settings. Its use in pop culture reinforces its meaning as a term of finality—a definitive "no." This cultural saturation has helped it transition from a niche industry term to a recognized piece of general slang.

5. The Political Slang: '86 45'

In recent years, the term found new life in the political arena, particularly as a form of protest. The phrase "86 45" became a popular, albeit controversial, rallying cry and piece of political slang aimed at the 45th President of the United States. In this context, "86" clearly means "get rid of," "remove," or "oust," demonstrating the term's powerful evolution from a simple kitchen code to a loaded political statement.

The multi-layered history of '86'—from its speculative roots in speakeasies and soda fountains to its current use in high-stakes kitchens and political commentary—makes it one of the most fascinating pieces of American slang. Whether you are a chef, a bartender, or simply someone trying to understand the latest jargon, knowing what it means to be '86'd is knowing a vital piece of the American lexicon.