86

English - English

Definition of 86 in English English dictionary

To deny service

The restaurant 86ed us because we didn't fit the dress code..

To cancel an order for food

86 the ham and eggs for table two!.

To throw out; discard

We finally had to 86 that old printer after it jammed one too many times..

To remove an item from the menu

Yes, I’d like the tomato soup. / I’m sorry sir, that’s been 86ed – would you like a salad instead?.

Synonyms

nix, ixnay

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.