What Does It Mean to 86 Someone?
🚫 What Does It Mean to 86 Someone? | Slang Meaning, Origin & Usage
The phrase “to 86 someone” is a popular slang expression, especially in American English, and it’s often used in casual conversation or pop culture. But what exactly does it mean?
Let’s explore the meaning, origin, and how to correctly use “86” as a verb in different contexts.
💬 What Does It Mean to 86 Someone?
To “86 someone” means to:
- Eject or remove someone from a place (often forcefully)
- Ban someone from returning
- In some cases, it can mean to reject, ignore, or get rid of someone permanently
It’s commonly used in bars, restaurants, clubs, and even in personal relationships or TV shows to signify that someone is no longer welcome or has been cut off.
🏷️ Examples of How It’s Used
- “He got drunk and aggressive, so the bartender had to 86 him.”
- “She kept causing drama, so we finally 86ed her from the group chat.”
- “If he messes up again, we’re going to have to 86 him from the team.”
📚 Where Did the Term “86” Come From?
The exact origin of “86” is debated, but here are the most accepted theories:
- Restaurant slang: Used by cooks or servers to indicate that an item is out of stock or should be removed. (“We’re 86 on the fries.”)
- Prohibition era: Bartenders supposedly used “86” to warn that someone should not be served or was banned from the establishment.
- Military code: Some suggest “86” was used as shorthand for “throw out” or “kill” in military jargon or law enforcement radio codes.
Over time, the phrase shifted from food or stock removal to removing people — especially those who cause trouble.
🧠 Modern Uses Beyond Bars & Restaurants
Today, “86” is often used in:
- Friendships or dating: Cutting ties with someone toxic
- Work environments: Letting someone go or rejecting a proposal
- Pop culture: TV, music, and film often use “86” for dramatic or comedic effect
❗ Is “86” Ever Used Violently?
Sometimes, in crime or gangster slang, “86 someone” can mean to kill them — but this is much less common and context-dependent. In most everyday use, it just means to remove or reject someone or something.
🧭 Conclusion
To 86 someone means to get rid of them, whether it’s physically removing them from a location, cutting off contact, or banning them from a space or group. While its roots are murky, the phrase has firmly planted itself in modern slang and is still widely used today.