Buzz
We’ve all heard the phrase 86 used to indicate getting rid of something. There are several theories on its origin. Some are more plausible than others, especially those linked to the restaurant world, but the true etymology remains a mystery. Here are a few possible explanations.
Restaurant Terminology
Even though the restaurant industry may not have coined the term 86, it became a crucial part of the lingo in the 1930s. It’s thought to be slang for nix and was initially used to signify that a certain item was no longer available in the kitchen, a term highlighted in Walter Winchell’s 1933 column which featured a “glossary of soda-fountain lingo.” Over time, it evolved into a code used in restaurants and bars to indicate cutting someone off—whether due to bad behavior, being broke, or intoxication, as in “86 that chump at the end of the bar.”
Prohibition Era Raids
One possible origin of the term comes from the Prohibition era at a speakeasy called Chumley’s, located at 86 Bedford Street in New York City. During that time, many illegal bars had police officers on their payroll to warn them of impending raids. In Chumley’s case, it’s said that officers would call the bartender and instruct them to “86” their customers, meaning they should exit through the 86 Bedford door while the police approached the main entrance on Pamela Court.
Calm Down, Cowboy
Before the 1980s, whiskey was available in 100 proof or 86 proof. If a bartender noticed that a customer had consumed too much of the stronger 100 proof, they would switch to the milder 86 proof. According to some theories, this person would be considered “86’d” in bar terminology.
Eight Feet Long, Six Feet Under
Could it be that this phrase originated in death? The final moment you might be “86’d” could be when they lay you to rest, as most traditional graves are believed to be 8 feet long and 6 feet deep (although that depth isn't always accurate).
