86
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[edit] Translingual
[edit] Symbol
- the number eighty-six
[edit] See also
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
Origin uncertain. The OED suggests possible rhyming slang for nix. Other more elaborate theories include Delmonaco Restaurant in New York City, as item #86 on their menu, their house steak, is supposed to have run out often in the 19th century; another theory is that this term came from the New York speakeasy Chumley’s, which was a hotspot in the 20s. Chumley’s is hidden inside a west village building which has two entrances, a well set back main entrance on Barrow Street and an obscure back-door exit on 86 Bedford Street. When police were sighted approaching the main entrance, the barkeeps yelled ‘86-it' to hide the liquor and signal the patrons to quickly exit the back door.
[edit] Pronunciation
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Audio (US) (file)
[edit] Verb
86 (third-person singular simple present 86s, present participle 86ing, simple past and past participle 86ed)
- (informal) To cancel an order for food.
- "86 the ham and eggs for table two!"
- (informal) To remove an item from the menu.
- 86 the lobster bisque – we won’t have the lobster delivery until tomorrow.
- "Yes, I’d like the tomato soup." / "I’m sorry sir, that’s been 86ed – would you like a salad instead?"
- (informal) To throw out; discard.
- "We finally had to 86 that old printer after it jammed one too many times."
- (informal) To deny service.
- "The restaurant 86ed us because we didn't fit the dress code."
