“86” is a slang term that usually means to get rid of something, remove it, or say that something is no longer available. In some places, it can also mean to refuse service to someone or ask them to leave.
People use “86” in everyday speech, especially in restaurants, bars, or casual conversation. For example, a worker might say they “86’d” an item that ran out, or a manager might “86” a customer who is causing trouble. The exact meaning depends on the situation, but it usually involves something being taken away or stopped.
Meaning & Usage
In daily use, “86” most often means “remove,” “cancel,” or “no longer serve.” It is common in food service and informal talk.
Examples
“We had to 86 the soup because we ran out.”
“The bartender 86’d that customer after he started a fight.”
“They 86’d the old menu item last week.”
Context / Common Use
You’ll hear this word most often in restaurants, bars, and other service settings. It is informal slang, so people usually do not use it in formal writing.
Is “86” always negative?
Not always, but it often means something is being removed or stopped. In many cases, it has a negative or serious tone.
Can “86” mean “sold out”?
Yes. In restaurants, “86” can mean an item is unavailable because it is gone or cannot be served.
Is “86” formal English?
No. It is slang and is best used in casual conversation, not formal situations.
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