Ever stumbled across the phrase “86 meaning slang” while scrolling through memes or chatting with friends and thought, “Wait, what does 86 even mean?” You’re not alone! This quirky little number has sneaked its way into conversations, texts, and even tweets, and it’s way more fun than just being a random number. Buckle up because by the end of this article, you’ll not only know the 86 meaning slang inside out, but you’ll be ready to drop it in your messages like a pro. 🎉
What Does 86 Mean in Slang?
At its core, 86 meaning slang basically means to get rid of something or someone, or to cancel something abruptly. Think of it like telling someone “You’re out!” or “This thing is no longer happening.” Originating from American English, it’s often used in bars, restaurants, and later, online, to signal that something is off the menu or a person should be asked to leave.
So, if your friend tells you “86 the plans for tonight,” they’re meaning “Let’s cancel it.” Easy, right?
The Origin Story: Where Did 86 Come From?
Now, if you thought 86 was just a random code, think again. There’s a bit of mystery in its roots, but here’s the gist:
- Bar & Restaurant Code: The most popular theory suggests that “86” was a code used by bartenders or waiters to indicate when an item was out of stock. For example, “86 the chicken” meant the chicken dish was no longer available.
- Prohibition Era: Some say the term popped up during Prohibition to discreetly tell bartenders to refuse service to a customer or kick them out without drawing attention.
- Rhyming Slang or Numerical Codes: Another thought is that it rhymes with “nix” (meaning to cancel) or it’s just numbering shorthand in kitchen lingo.
Whatever the real story is, the word stuck around and evolved.
How to Use 86 in Everyday Chat
Using the 86 meaning slang isn’t rocket science. It’s pretty versatile and adds sass or humor when used right. Here are some ways you might see it pop up:
- Canceling plans: “Hey, can we 86 our dinner tonight? I’m beat.”
- Booting someone: “That guy was being annoying, so the bouncer 86’d him.”
- Throwing something out: “I 86’d all the expired snacks from my pantry.”
- Online commerce: “86 this item, sold out!”
Here’s a real-world chat example:
DM from Alex: “Yo, let’s 86 the trip this weekend. Too much drama 😂”
See? Simple and clear!
Funny Ways 86 Meaning Slang Pops Up Online 😂
The internet loves to memeify everything, and 86 is no exception. Since it’s about canceling or kicking out, people use it to poke fun at ridiculous or over-the-top situations.
Some hilarious uses include:
- When you want to 86 toxic vibes: “Toxic people? 86 ‘em like last season’s fashion.”
- Tech fails: “Just 86’d my WiFi after it dropped me 5 times today.”
- Food cravings gone wrong: “86 the salad, bring me pizza.”
- Sassy customer service replies: “Customer: Can I speak to the manager? Me: 86 the manager, I’m it.”
It’s perfect for that perfect blend of snark and cool. Just sprinkle in a couple of emojis, and you have a viral tweet or viral DM.
Quick-Fire Do’s & Don’ts of Using 86 Slang
- Do use it to cancel plans or say you’re ditching something.
- Do use it humorously to talk about rejecting bad vibes or people.
- Don’t use it in super formal settings—no one wants to hear “Please 86 the report” in a serious meeting.
- Don’t confuse people who have no idea about the slang (unless you’re ready to explain!).
- Do use it in texts, group chats, or memes for the best effect.
Final Thoughts on 86 Meaning Slang
%86 isn’t just a number—it’s a cultural shorthand that’s sneakily woven into the way we communicate online and offline. From the buzzing bar floors of the past to funny TikTok captions today, it means kicking things to the curb, whether plans, people, or snacks. So next time your friends say, “Let’s 86 it,” you’ll know exactly what vibes they’re sending.
Ready to use “86” like a pro? Just remember—it’s all about ditching or canceling with style! 😎
