What Does 86 Mean in Slang? Let’s Crack the Code 🕵️‍♂️

Ever been scrolling through memes or overheard someone say “86 that” and wondered, “Wait, what does 86 mean in slang?” You’re not alone! This quirky little phrase pops up in all sorts of chats, DMs, and even restaurant jargon. It’s like a secret code that means something’s gotta go—fast. Stick around and I’ll break it all down for you, from where it started to how you can throw it into your everyday convos (plus the funniest ways it appears online). Spoiler: it’s way more versatile than you think! 😎

Origin Story: Where Did “86” Come From?

The story behind the slang term “86” is almost as mysterious as the meaning itself. One of the most accepted theories is that it comes from American restaurant lingo. Back in the day, when a kitchen ran out of an item or needed to remove something from the menu, they’d “86” it. Think of it like telling the waitstaff: “Hey, stop serving this, it’s gone or no longer available.”

Some folks believe it even goes further back to Prohibition-era bartenders or the military, where “86” meant to refuse service or get rid of an unwanted customer or item. It’s like a polite but firm “nope, not happening.” Even today, restaurants use “86” as coded slang, though it has since made its way into mainstream speech.

How to Use “86” in Slang – Quick and Easy

Using “86” in your chats or memes is a flex of insider knowledge. Here’s the quick rundown:

• 86 as a verb: To cancel, remove, or discard something. Example: “Let’s 86 the meeting; no one’s showing up.”
• 86 as a command: To get rid of something or someone. Example: “The boss just 86’d all the weekend overtime requests!”
• 86 as an adjective: When something is no longer available or out of stock. “They’re 86 on avocados at the store 😭.”

In text messages or memes, you might see it pop up like:

Friend 1: “You bringing snacks?”
Friend 2: “Nah, 86 the chips, my diet says no.” 🤣

Someone posts a pic of an empty fridge:
“Fridge: 86 on everything but sadness.”

Etiquette: Do’s & Don’ts When Saying “86”

Since 86 has that origin tied to denying or kicking out, it’s good to know where and when it’s chill to say it. Here’s a quick-fire list:

• Do use it humorously with friends or online when joking about bailing, canceling plans, or running out of stuff.
• Do drop it casually if you’re in a kitchen or hospitality environment—people know what you mean.
• Don’t use it to dismiss or exclude someone personally in a rude way. It’s slang, but not a nice way to boot someone IRL.
• Don’t get confused and use it in formal or professional conversations unless you’re sure everyone’s on the same page.

Funniest Ways “86” Pops Up Online 😂

The internet loves slang that’s a bit mysterious and 86 meaning in slang fits that bill perfectly. Here are some hilarious ways people toss it around:

• Meme Example: A meme of someone looking at a chaotic group chat: “When the squad decides to 86 the plan last minute.”
• Relatable Tweets: “Me trying to adult but my motivation got 86’d by Monday.”
• DM Chats:
  Person A: “Wanna hang tonight?”
  Person B: “Honestly, 86 that. I’m binge-watching shows.”

Bonus: You’ll even see it in product reviews (“They’re 86 on restocks, smh”) or gaming streams when a player gets kicked from the party. It’s like the Swiss Army Knife of slang.

Wrapping It Up: Your Go-To for 86 Meaning in Slang

So, if you weren’t sure what “86” means in slang before, now you’re armed with the background, how to use it, and a sprinkle of meme magic. Next time you want to say “no thanks,” “cancel,” or “out of here,” just 86 it instead. It’s fresh, casual, and adds a little flair to your messages. Plus, it’s a fun way to sound just a bit insider-y without being too extra.

Got a group chat that’s 86ing plans tonight? Send that and watch the LOLs roll in. Just don’t get 86’d yourself! 😉