The Secret Code Of The Service Industry: 5 Fascinating Meanings Of '86' You Need To Know

Have you ever been told to "86" something or heard a bartender use the term "eighty-six" in a hushed tone? This seemingly simple number is one of the most enduring and versatile pieces of American English slang, a cryptic code word that holds entirely different—but equally forceful—meanings depending on whether you’re in a bustling kitchen, a lively bar, or just using everyday language. As of December 18, 2025, the phrase continues to evolve, but its core meaning remains a decisive act of removal, cancellation, or refusal.

The phrase "to 86" is most famously associated with the high-pressure world of the hospitality industry, where it serves as a critical piece of shorthand. It acts as a clear, immediate command to either pull a menu item or physically remove a patron, making it a crucial bit of kitchen terminology and bar code word that every server, chef, and manager must know. Understanding this term is key to decoding the secret language of restaurants and bars.

The Core Meanings of '86' in the Hospitality Industry

The term "86" (often pronounced "eighty-six") is a dual-purpose piece of restaurant slang. Its most common and most critical use in a commercial kitchen relates to inventory, but its most dramatic use is always reserved for the front of house.

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1. Menu Item is Unavailable (Out of Stock)

The primary, everyday meaning of "86" in the kitchen is to signal that a particular dish, ingredient, or beverage is completely out of stock and can no longer be served. This is an essential function for kitchen communication and inventory management.

• Scenario: The chef realizes they have run out of salmon for the evening.
• The Call: The chef will yell, "86 the salmon!"
• The Action: Servers must immediately stop taking orders for the salmon, and the item may be physically removed from the daily specials board or menu. This prevents frustrating a customer by having to return to the table to explain the unavailability of the dish.
• Entities/Keywords: Inventory control, kitchen communication, menu item, out of stock, sold out, restaurant operations, service industry.

2. To Refuse Service or Eject a Patron

The second, more dramatic meaning of "86" is to permanently remove a customer from the premises or to refuse them service. This action is typically taken when a patron is causing a disturbance, is overly intoxicated, or has violated the establishment's policies.

• Scenario: A customer at the bar is visibly drunk and starting an argument with other patrons.
• The Call: The bartender will discreetly tell the bouncer or manager, "We need to 86 Table 4," or simply, "86 that guy."
• The Action: The individual is asked to leave and is often banned from returning. This is a crucial aspect of maintaining a safe and orderly environment, especially in bars and nightclubs.
• Entities/Keywords: Refuse service, ejected, kicked out, bar slang, patron removal, public disturbance, intoxication, hospitality management, customer service.

The Mysterious and Contested Origins of '86'

Despite its widespread use, the true origin of "eighty-six" is one of American slang's most hotly debated topics. There is no single, universally accepted source, but rather a collection of fascinating theories rooted in various historical contexts, proving the term’s deep cultural significance.

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3. The Speakeasy Theory (Prohibition Era)

One of the most popular and romanticized theories links the term to the Prohibition era in New York City. This theory suggests the code originated at Chumley's, a famous speakeasy located at 86 Bedford Street in Greenwich Village.

• The Story: It is rumored that when police would raid the establishment, or when a patron was getting too rowdy, the staff would yell "86!" This was a signal to the bartender to have the customer exit through the back door and to "86" (hide) the illegal alcohol.
• Entities/Keywords: Chumley's, 86 Bedford Street, Greenwich Village, speakeasy, Prohibition era, New York City, mob slang, illegal alcohol.

4. The Soda Fountain Lingo Theory (1930s)

Another highly credible theory, supported by some lexicographers, places the origin in the early 1930s at soda fountains and lunch counters. This is where the term first appeared as a noun.

• The Story: "Eighty-six" was used to refer to an item that was sold out or no longer available at the counter. This aligns perfectly with the current kitchen use of "out of stock."
• Entities/Keywords: Soda fountain, lunch counter, 1930s, American slang history, lexicography, etymology, sold out, food service history.

5. Rhyming Slang, Codes, and Other Theories

Several other, less-verified but widely circulated theories contribute to the term's mystique. These show how a single phrase can become a cultural entity with multiple narratives.

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• The Rhyming Slang Theory: Some believe "86" is simply rhyming slang for "nix," which means to cancel, veto, or put an end to something.
• The Building Code Theory: Another idea suggests it relates to building codes. For example, some fire codes or municipal statutes might have used "86" to denote something that needed to be removed or was non-compliant.
• The Military/Navy Theory: A less common belief is that it originated as an old military term, possibly related to a specific regulation or code for "taken out."
• Entities/Keywords: Rhyming slang, "nix" definition, building codes, municipal statutes, military jargon, naval terminology, code word, cultural entity.

The Modern Evolution and Slang Use of '86'

While the service industry remains the primary domain of "86," the phrase has successfully transitioned into general American English slang, becoming a versatile verb for getting rid of anything or anyone.

In a general context, "to 86" means to discard, terminate, reject, or completely put an end to something. It is a decisive verb that implies finality.

• General Slang Example 1: "The editor 86’d my article idea because it was too similar to a previous piece." (Meaning: The idea was rejected/canceled.)
• General Slang Example 2: "I decided to 86 my old computer and buy a new one." (Meaning: To get rid of/discard the old computer.)
• Entities/Keywords: American English slang, versatile verb, discard, terminate, reject, finality, general usage, modern parlance.

The Political Use: '86 45'

In recent years, the phrase has even entered the political lexicon, demonstrating its power as a code word for removal. The phrase "86 45" became a popular, albeit controversial, piece of political slang.

• The Meaning: The number "45" refers to the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump.
• The Interpretation: Therefore, "86 45" is a coded, shorthand way of expressing the desire to "get rid of" or "remove" the 45th President from office. This usage highlights the phrase's powerful, decisive nature in contemporary culture.
• Entities/Keywords: Political slang, 45th President, Donald Trump, coded language, contemporary culture, political lexicon, social commentary.

Why '86' Continues to Endure

The longevity of "86" is a testament to its efficiency. It is a quick, two-syllable code that carries significant weight, whether you are communicating a critical shortage in a noisy kitchen or discreetly signaling the removal of a problematic customer. Its multiple, yet thematically consistent, meanings ensure its survival across different industries and social groups.

From the clandestine world of Prohibition-era speakeasies to the modern digital age of political commentary, "to 86" remains a fascinating and highly effective piece of linguistic shorthand. It is a clear, definitive action: to cancel, to remove, or to refuse. Next time you hear the term, you will know you are witnessing a decisive end to a menu item, a customer’s night, or an old idea.