Ever been scrolling through a group chat or binge-watching a show when someone casually throws out “86” and you’re left scratching your head, wondering: what is 86 slang for? 🤔 It pops up everywhere—from restaurants to Reddit threads to your friend’s DMs—and it’s way more than just a random number. So buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the quirky world of “86,” exploring what it means, where it came from, and how you can drop it like a pro in your next convo.
What Is 86 Slang For? The Quick Skinny
In slang terms, “86” means to get rid of something, reject it, or kick it out. For example, if a bartender says, “We’re 86 on the vodka,” they mean they’ve run out or they don’t have any more. If your friend says, “Let’s 86 that plan,” they’re suggesting to cancel or ditch it. Think of it like a witty way to say “nope, nix, gone!”
The Origin Story: Where Does “86” Come From?
The origin of “86” is as mysterious as the phrase itself, but here’s what history buffs and language nerds think. Most folks credit American bars and diners from the early 20th century, where “86” was restaurant code for “we’re out of that item” or “kick that person out.”
One popular theory traces it back to Prohibition-era speakeasies or 1930s soda fountains. Bartenders would use “86” to communicate discreetly about inventory or customers without tipping off patrons. Another fun story points to a New York bar at 86 Bedford Street, where unruly customers were shown the door—“86’d,” if you will.
Whatever the true origin, “86” has been used in hospitality and slang circles for nearly a century, evolving with time into a catchall phrase for “get rid of this!”
How to Use “86” in Your Conversations
Now that you know what 86 slang means, here’s how you can flex it in everyday chats and online banter:
- Rejecting plans: “Hey, can we meet up tonight?” “Sorry, gotta 86 that. Too tired 😂”
- Calling out missing stuff: At a party: “We’re 86 on snacks, anyone got chips?”
- Declining ideas: “I think pineapple on pizza is the best.” “Bro, let’s 86 that opinion immediately.”
- Getting rid of someone or something: “Security just 86’d the guy who tried sneaking in.”
- Online context: Seeing a meme that’s played out? “This joke’s so 86’d it’s practically vintage.”
Quick Do’s and Don’ts When Using “86”
- Do use it casually to sound like a slang-savvy insider.
- Do try to keep it light-hearted—it’s all about fun and subtle shade.
- Don’t confuse people by using it in formal settings unless they’re in on the joke.
- Don’t overuse it in one conversation unless you want your friends to 86 your chat 😂.
Funny Ways “86” Shows Up Online
On the internet, “86” has taken on a meme life of its own. People love twisting it for laughs, trolling, and as a subtle way to roast or cancel stuff without being too direct.
Here are some hilarious online examples that show you what is 86 slang for in meme culture:
DM Snippet:
Friend 1: “You wanna watch this 2005 rom-com again?”
Friend 2: “Let’s 86 that ASAP. I’m over it.”Tweet: “Just got 86’d by my own brain. Can’t remember why I walked into this room 🤦♂️ #86”
Reddit Comment: “When you’re 86’d from the group chat but still lurking 👀”
And then there are the playful adaptations, like people posting pictures of empty shelves with captions like “We’re 86 on toilet paper again, send help!” or using “86” as a verb: “She 86’d my playlist with all her TikTok bangers.”
Final Thoughts: Don’t Get ‘86’d’ Out of the Slang Game
So next time you’re wondering, “what is 86 slang for,” remember it’s your new go-to phrase for tossing out, canceling, or flat-out rejecting things in a fun and catchy way. Whether it’s a drink, a plan, or a wild idea, 86 lets you keep things fresh, playful, and just a little bit mysterious.
Now go ahead—throw “86” into your next chat or tweet and watch how quickly you sound like the slang maestro of your crew. 🎉 Just try not to get 86’d yourself for using too much slang!
