86

1. To run out of a menu item. 2. To end, stop, or cut off. 3. To get rid of (usually in reference to a person, often a coworker...sometimes viewed jokingly as a euphimism for killing them) Note- although there are several theories as to the origin of this term, one common misconception has been debunked. The idea that it came from Chumley's, the speakeasy at 86 Bedford St. in Greenwich Village, NYC. Stanley Chumley opened this restaurant in 1928, and many people refer to it's prohibition-era activities as the origin for the term 86 (there are several variations on this). However, there are several records of the term being used in the late 10's and early 20's, 5-10 years before Chumley's was opened and before prohibition began. Likewise, the "old west" theory of 86 proof alcohol being served to a drunk instead of 100 proof is unlikely, as the term first gained popularity along the east coast, primarily in NYC. The most likely theory is the reference to the east line trolley in Manhattan that ran from 12th Street to 86th Street, where the announcement was made, "86th Street, end of the line, all out!" A less lively option is the use of rhyming slang in the early 20th century (trouble and strife=wife, etc.) and 86 was used for another slang term, nix. The 8' x 6' grave size theory also seems quite plausible.