86 Meaning Slang: Complete Guide to Its Use and Origins 2025-26

If you’ve ever heard someone say “He got 86’d from the club” or “We need to 86 that idea”, you might have wondered, what does 86 mean in slang? 😍

The term 86 has been floating around in restaurants, bars, social media, and online chats for decades. Its meaning varies slightly depending on context, but it generally signifies removal, rejection, or cancellation. Understanding this term can make your conversations sharper, your social media captions cooler, and your comprehension of pop culture more complete.

In this article, we’ll explore the 86 meaning slang, its origins, cultural usage, examples, and modern adaptations. By the end, you’ll confidently use 86 in everyday language.

What Does 86 Mean in Slang?

In slang, 86 primarily means:

To reject or remove someone/something
To cancel or refuse an order, idea, or plan
To kick someone out or refuse service

💡 Example:

“The bar 86’d him after he caused trouble.” → He was removed or banned.
“Let’s 86 the boring part of the presentation.” → Remove or skip.

In online contexts, 86 can also mean ignoring, unfollowing, or blocking someone.

Origins of the Term 86

The history of 86 is fascinating and has multiple theories. Its origin is traced to American bars, diners, and restaurants in the early 20th century.

Restaurant Jargon:
- In kitchens, 86 meant that an item was out of stock or should not be served.
- Example: “86 the burgers; we’re out of beef.”
Prohibition Era Bars:
- Some historians say bartenders used 86 to refuse service or eject unruly patrons.
Rhyming Slang:
- Another theory: 86 rhymed with “nix” → meaning cancel or nix something.
Military and Pop Culture:
- During WWII, 86 appeared in military slang to indicate elimination or removal from duty.

✨ Fun fact: Over time, the term spread beyond restaurants into music, television, and everyday speech.

86 in Restaurants and Bars

The term 86 became popular in the foodservice industry:

Term Usage	Meaning in Restaurants	Example Usage
86 (verb)	Remove an item from the menu/order	“86 the special, we’re out of fish.”
86 (person)	Refuse service or kick out a customer	“They 86’d the rowdy guest last night.”
86 (action)	Cancel or discontinue something	“86 the last-minute orders, please.”

Restaurants still use 86 today as shorthand for quick communication among staff.

86 in Popular Culture

86 has appeared in music, TV shows, movies, and even social media:

Music: Lyrics often use 86 to indicate rejection or breaking up.
Television: Bartenders and characters in shows like Cheers or Bar Rescue use 86 in dialogue.
Internet Memes: Online slang has embraced 86 as a fun way to say “block, remove, or cancel.”

💬 Example:

“We need to 86 that plan before it blows up in our faces.” → Cancel the plan.

How to Use 86 in Slang Conversations

Here’s how to incorporate 86 naturally:

In social situations:
- “He was being rude, so the club 86’d him.”
In work or school:
- “Let’s 86 the unnecessary slides from the presentation.”
Online or texting:
- “I 86’d that toxic comment from my feed.”

✨ Tip: Context is key. 86 always indicates removal, cancellation, or rejection.

Variations and Related Terms

While 86 is widely recognized, related phrases include:

Related Term	Meaning	Example
Nix	Cancel or reject	“Nix the proposal, it won’t work.”
Kick out	Remove someone from a location	“The bouncer kicked him out.”
Out of stock	No longer available (retail/restaurant)	“The pizza is out of stock.”
Reject	Refuse or dismiss an idea	“We had to reject the plan.”

Examples of 86 in Sentences

“The bartender 86’d the last whiskey bottle.”
“Let’s 86 the boring part of the meeting.”
“He got 86’d from the group chat for being negative.”
“The kitchen 86’d the pasta due to supply shortage.”

Using 86 makes your language concise, witty, and culturally aware.

Why 86 is Popular in Slang

The popularity of 86 comes from its:

Brevity: Short, easy to say, and catchy.
Versatility: Can refer to people, things, or ideas.
Cultural connection: Widely recognized in food, music, and online culture.
Cool factor: Using 86 adds flair and insider knowledge to conversations.

🔥 Example: “Everyone knows what 86 means; it’s like secret language for removing stuff.”

86 in Modern Digital Communication

In online communities, 86 has evolved:

Social Media: Block, remove, or delete comments and posts.
Gaming: Kick a player from a session or team.
Business Communication: Cancel meetings or projects informally.

💡 Tip: Using 86 online signals quick decision-making or authoritative action.

Common Misunderstandings About 86

Many newcomers misinterpret 86:

Assuming it’s numeric only: While it’s a number, in slang it conveys action, not value.
Confusing with 69 or 420: These numbers have entirely different cultural meanings.
Misusing it in context: Always ensure 86 means cancel, remove, or reject, not anything else.

Fun Facts About 86

The term is over 100 years old but still widely used.
Some bars have 86 boards listing unavailable items.
Musicians and writers often use 86 in lyrics to imply rejection or ending.

How to Teach Someone the Meaning of 86

Teaching someone about 86 slang can be fun:

Start with restaurant examples.
Show media clips or lyrics where 86 is used.
Use daily situations: plans, messages, or meetings.
Encourage practice in casual conversations.

✨ Example: “If a friend suggests a bad idea, you can simply say ‘Let’s 86 that’.”

FAQs About 86 Meaning Slang

Q1: What does 86 mean in texting?
A: In texting, 86 means cancel, remove, reject, or block someone or something.

Q2: Where did 86 originate?
A: It originated in American restaurants and bars to indicate removal or being out of stock, later spreading to popular culture.

Q3: Can 86 be used professionally?
A: Yes, informally in workplaces to cancel or remove ideas or tasks, but avoid in formal reports.

Q4: Is 86 the same as kick out?
A: Mostly yes; both indicate removing someone, but 86 can also mean canceling objects or plans.

Q5: Why is 86 still popular today?
A: Its brevity, versatility, and cultural recognition make it relevant across generations and online platforms.

Conclusion (Final Thoughts)

The term 86 meaning slang is a fascinating example of how language evolves over time. From bars and restaurants to social media and pop culture, 86 conveys removal, rejection, or cancellation.

By understanding 86, you can:

Speak confidently in social and digital contexts
Add flair and insider knowledge to conversations
Recognize subtle cultural references in media

💡 Remember: 86 isn’t just a number—it’s action, attitude, and style. Start using it today and notice how effortlessly it fits into modern language.