"86"

this has annoyed me for a number of years can anyone give an explanation of the term 86 where did it come from. ever since ive worked in a kitchen this term has been used

any thoughts!

[Nicko]

Great question, I have always wondered that myself. Funny I never bothered to ask anyone.

[m brown]

speak easy in nyc during prohibition, two exits, one on number 86 such and such a block. when the cops came to raid the joint, the keeper would 86 everyone out.
I believe the place was called "Chumly's"

[KyleW]

Indeed, Chumley's Restaurant is located @86 Bedford St. in Greenwich Village. I suppose that the front door used to be the back door. Chumley's is well hidden but fun once you find it.

No....actually the term came from the "old west" days. Back then, as you know, the alcohol was well over 100 proof as a norm. When someone would be in a bar drunk, and they wanted them to leave, they would drop them down to 86 proof liquor...hence the term..."86 'em".

Hope this answers your question.

Hey, i think the term 86'd came from the old west but I am not positive, it isn't something that ever really bothered me to much...

I heard "86" was an army term for when the mess hall ran out of a menu item, they had to fill out form "86"

I don't give a hoot where the term came from...just wish the waitstaff would remember to pass the info along to their customers, once in a lifetime

Cheers,
TopChef

[Dlee]

86- how I heard it is that in the army the diameter of the garbage can was 86 inches. So the guys would say 86 it.