The first time I heard someone say, “He got 86’d,” I had no idea what they meant. Was it a year? A code? A random number? Later, I saw it again in a restaurant setting. Then in a movie. Then online.
That’s when I realized 86 wasn’t random at all. It’s actually a long-standing slang term with a clear meaning. If you’re wondering what does 86 mean, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down in simple, easy language.
Quick Answer
86 means to remove, cancel, reject, or get rid of something or someone.
What Does 86 Mean in Simple Terms?
The slang term 86 usually means one of three things:
- Something is unavailable
- Someone is kicked out
- An idea or plan is canceled
It’s often used as a verb, like this:
- “We 86’d that item.”
- “He got 86’d from the bar.”
- “Let’s 86 that idea.”
In plain English, it means to get rid of something.
Simple summary: 86 means to remove or refuse something.
Where Did 86 Come From?
The exact origin isn’t 100% certain, but many believe it started in the restaurant industry.
In restaurants, when a dish runs out, staff might say:
- “86 the burger.”
That means the burger is no longer available.
Over time, the meaning expanded. It started being used to describe kicking someone out or canceling something.
Common Ways 86 Is Used
1. In Restaurants
“86 the fries” means the fries are sold out.
2. In Bars or Clubs
If someone is causing trouble, they might be “86’d,” meaning they’re kicked out and possibly banned.
3. In Everyday Conversation
People use it casually to mean cancel or remove.
Example:
“Let’s 86 that plan and try something else.”
4. Online and Social Media
It can mean cutting someone off or deleting something.
Example:
“I 86’d that post.”
Tone of the Word 86
The tone is usually:
- Informal
- Casual
- Sometimes serious (especially if someone is banned)
It’s not formal language. You wouldn’t use it in a professional report.
Real-Life Conversation Examples (Lowercase Style)
- “are we still going to that place?”
“nah, let’s 86 it.” - “do we have more chicken?”
“nope, it’s 86’d.” - “he kept arguing with the staff.”
“yeah, they 86’d him.” - “that idea won’t work.”
“ok, 86 it.” - “can we order the special?”
“sorry, that’s 86.” - “i deleted the photo.”
“you 86’d it already?” - “he broke the rules again.”
“that’s it, 86 him.”
When to Use 86 (And When Not To)
✅ Use It When:
- Talking casually with friends
- Referring to canceled plans
- Mentioning something sold out
- Speaking informally
❌ Avoid It When:
- Writing formal emails
- Giving professional presentations
- Writing academic papers
- Talking in serious official settings
Quick Comparison Table
| Context | Example | Works? | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant staff | “86 the soup.” | ✅ | Industry slang |
| Casual chat | “let’s 86 that idea.” | ✅ | Informal tone fits |
| Business email | “we 86’d the contract.” | ❌ | Too casual |
| Legal document | “the client was 86’d.” | ❌ | Not professional language |
Similar Slang Words
Here are other words that mean something close to 86:
| Word | Meaning | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel | Stop or call off | Neutral |
| Drop | Remove or stop | Casual |
| Cut | Remove | Informal |
| Ban | Officially block | Serious |
| Scrap | Throw away an idea | Informal |
| Dump | Get rid of | Casual |
Each one has a slightly different feeling, but they all relate to removing or ending something.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does 86 always mean kicked out?
Not always. It can also mean something is sold out or canceled.
2. Is 86 rude?
It can be if used about a person. In restaurants, it’s normal slang.
3. Why the number 86?
The true origin is unclear. Some believe it started as restaurant code.
4. Can you say someone got 86’d?
Yes. It means they were removed or banned.
5. Is 86 still used today?
Yes. It’s common in restaurants, bars, and casual conversation.
Final Thought
So, what does 86 mean? It’s a slang term that means to remove, cancel, reject, or ban something or someone.
It started in restaurant culture but spread into everyday speech. Today, you’ll hear it in casual chats, online conversations, and even movies.
Now when someone says something got 86’d, you’ll know exactly what they mean.
Robat Hood is a creative writer and contributor at Saypadia, focused on explaining trending words, slang, and cultural phrases in a simple and engaging way. With a sharp eye for modern language trends, Robat aims to make Saypadia a trusted place for understanding how words are used online and in daily conversations. His content is informative, approachable, and designed for readers of all levels.
