Roo

[Henry09]

86?

[dave nz]

Anyone speak Australian ?

I don't understand this thread lol.

[Romanowski]

LMAO...Henry jsut a joke

[Henry09]

yeah I know lol but I don't get it


I am blonde remember

[Romanowski]

86 is a # used for failure or end, it was a joke bro

example...he got 86ed

[Henry09]

ahhhhhh I have never heard that saying here in the land of Oz

I am up to date now tho.

Eighty-six?

This is one of the most contentious of diner slang terms as there seem to be more stories concerning its origin than just about any other and particularly as it is one more term which has passed into everyday language21, and has been included in the lyrics of the song 'Eggs and Sausage' written by Tom Waits, who is himself known to have been a frequent customer at Ben Frank's - a famous Los Angeles diner which closed during the 1990s and has since re-opened as part of a retro-diner chain (see below), and which is itself mentioned in another of his songs - 'The One That Got Away'.

Article 86 of the New York State Liquor Code

Which defines the circumstances in which a bar patron should be refused alcohol, or '86ed'.

The Soup Kitchen Theory

During the depression of the 1930s, soup kitchens would often make just enough soup for 85 people. If you were next in line after number 85, you were '86ed'.

The Eight Feet By Six Feet Theory

A coffin is usually eight feet long and is buried six feet under. Once in your coffin you've been 'eight by sixed', which shortens to '86ed'.

The Soda Fountain Theory

Workers at soda fountains had their own jargon which was based on numbers22 and it's possible that eighty-six was the number they used when an item was out of stock.

The Delmonico's Theory

Ribeye steak used to be number 86 on the menu of this famous New York City restaurant and because it's their signature dish is also commonly known as 'Delmonico steak'. It's thought that the popularity of this menu item was such that it ran out on enough occasions for '86' to become a term meaning 'off the menu'.

The British Merchant Marine Theory

A standard British merchant ship would often carry 85 sailors. Number 86 would be left off the ship.