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For reference purposes only

The many origins of 86it

86, such a simple, round and enigmatic number. Restaurants and bars commonly use the term “86”. Here at “86it”, we will most happily 86 your junk. Simply put, it is what we do. The following are some fun, interesting and in some cases apocryphal stories/theories that explain the beginnings of 86it

Chumley’s (1927-2007). A favourite theory of 86’s beginnings amongst New Yorkers. Chumley’s was a famous speakeasy located at 86 Bedford Street NYC. During prohibition (1920-33, in the USA) Chumley’s had a door through an interior adjoining courtyard. It was used for anonymous ingress and egress. As per the times the local cops were on Chumley’s payroll, nice to have ‘the heat’ on one’s side. When the cops were about to raid the joint, they would considerately call ahead. The bartender would shout out “86 everybody”, meaning all should run with vigor for the Bedford Street exit, for the cops would be coming in via a different door. Thus the crowd would be 86’ed.

Soup Kitchens. During the Great Depression, a standard soup cauldron held 85 cups of soup. If you were the 86th person, you were out of luck.

Soda fountain clerks. Soda fountain clerks developed their own number code system. 86 was the code that indicated they were out of an item.

The Empire State Building. All elevators stop at the 86th floor, hence everyone had to leave. Also, the public outdoor observatory was on the 86th floor. Prior to the building of various safety features, more than 30 suicides took place here. Sadly,people 86’ed themselves.

The United States Military. There exists within the U.S. military the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Article 86 of the UCMJ is Absence Without Leave (AWOL). Missing soldiers were described as being 86’ed. It is also said the term was used when the military wished an enemy dead. They were to be 86’ed. Harsh stuff.

Back to NYC. Here we find ourselves at the now closed Delmonico’s restaurant. Menu item number 86, steak, and the most popular item. So popular that it was often sold out. Therefore 86, became shorthand for anything that they were sold out of. To this day, 86 is used with great ubiquity in the restaurant and bar industry, referring to items that are out of stock.

Korean War (1950-53). 86 referred to the The North American Aviation F-86 Sabre (sometimes called the sabrejet). When a F-86 would shoot down an enemy jet (Soviet MiG 15) in a dog fight, the plane was said to have been 86’ed. Please, refrain from requesting us to do this. Vertigo.

New York State Liquor Law. New York again. Article 86 of the New York State Liquor law deals with legally intoxicated patrons at licensed establishments. If an individual is deemed intoxicated they are to be 86’ed, cut off or tossed.

Brass- pounder’s shortcut codes. Yes, the ancient art of brass pounding (telegraph). The original meaning of “86” was to ignore the previous message or otherwise eliminate something. Another case of 86’ing.

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