86 (eighty-six)
What does 86 mean?
To 86 something is to “ignore” or “eliminate” it. For instance, a manager could “86 the new benefits plan,” meaning it will not be implemented.
What is the origin of 86?
Though there is no definitive etymology of the term, there are three most commonly cited, credible accounts.
The first account is that a famous New York speakeasy located at 86 Bedford Street, Chumley’s, used its address as a code during Prohibition to alert patrons to a coming police raid. When the bartender yelled “86,” it meant flee out the main entrance at 86 Bedford Street because police were entering through the back.
The second explanation is that it is a reference to Article 86 of the New York State Liquor Code which defines when a patron should be refused service; thus, refusing a patron service would be “86ing” the person.
Lastly, some argue that because 86 rhymes with “nix,” some began using 86 in its place.