2007-05-31 02:27:06 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
There are all kinds of theories about how "86" came to mean "getting rid" of something, or being "out" of it. Some are pretty believable, and others not so much. I found a dozen of them for you, so you can take a look for yourself!
1. It originated in a New York City speakeasy, Chumley's on 86 Bedford Street, during Prohibition; advice to "86" the liquor meant that cops were on their way.
2. A standard British merchant crew was 85, so the 86th man was left behind.
3. Some soup kitchens usually prepared enough soup for only 85 people, so starting with the 86th, there wasn't any left.
4. 85 was a standard number of tables in fashionable New York restaurants, so the 86th customer was out of luck.
5. A popular New York restaurant had a particular popular item #86 (possibly steak at Delmonico's?) on its menu, which was therefore often out of stock.
6. 86 was the number of an American liquor law (maybe New York state?) that forbade bartenders to (legally) serve anyone who was already drunk.
7. In the "Old West," saloon regulars were given the slightly lower grade of 86-proof liquor when they were too drunk to notice the difference.
8. "86" rhymed with "nix," a term which was often used to cancel restaurant orders.
9. A typical grave is/was 6' deep and 8' long.
10. 86 was the address of an original New York City morgue.
11. 86 comes from "brass-pounder's shortcut codes," referring to old-time radio communication by telegraph key, primarily a "shipboard art" (hence related to the similar naval term "deep-six").
12. "86" came from those who committed suicide off floor 86 of the Empire State Building before a proper safety rail was installed.
Most seem to agree that the expression came from New York City bar and restaurant culture, where it thrives even today. Believe whatever explanation you like, but I'm sure we will never know exactly where the term originated. There are plenty more theories out there about it, too. I think #5 is my favorite! :)
2007-05-31 11:59:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
unsure of it's origin...heard it used in the restaurant trade
meaning not available. "86 the apple pie."
Wikipedia has several possible answers.
2007-05-31 04:36:12 · answer #2 · answered by sirbobby98121 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋