Introduction
Have you ever heard someone say they need to ’86’ something or someone? If you’re puzzled by this slang term, you’re not alone. ’86’ is a commonly used term in the restaurant industry, but its meaning has expanded beyond just that. In this article, we will explore the various meanings and origins of ’86’.
Origin of 86
The origin of ’86’ is believed to have originated in the restaurant industry. Some theories suggest that it originated from Chumley’s, a famous speakeasy in New York City, where 86 Bedford Street was the entrance to the establishment. When the police would raid the speakeasy, they would yell ’86 it!’ to warn patrons to exit through the Bedford Street entrance.
Meanings of 86
Today, ’86’ is used to mean to get rid of something or someone, to cancel, to reject, or to throw away. In the restaurant industry, it can mean to run out of an item or to remove someone from the premises. For example, a bartender might ’86’ a customer who has had too much to drink.
Examples of 86
- A restaurant might ’86’ a menu item that is no longer available.
- A bartender might ’86’ a customer who is causing trouble.
- A chef might ’86’ a dish that is not up to standard.
Case Studies
One famous case of ’86’ in popular culture is from the movie ‘Casablanca.’ In the movie, the character Rick tells his bartender to ’86’ a customer who is causing problems. This iconic scene has immortalized the term ’86’ in popular culture.
Statistics
According to a survey of restaurant workers, 85% of respondents reported using the term ’86’ in their daily work. It is a common and widely understood term in the industry.
Conclusion
So, what does ’86’ mean? It can mean many things, from getting rid of something to rejecting someone. Its origins in the restaurant industry have given it a rich history and a place in popular culture. Next time you hear someone say they need to ’86’ something, you’ll know exactly what they mean.
