This is what google got me...several answers:
The term 86'd goes back to the first restaurant Delmonicos. It refers to the
ribeye steak that was sold there. It was item 86 on their menu and was sold
out one night, hence the term 86'd.
- Ron
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One explanation of the term is, that in olden days 86 portions where prepared,
when the last item was sold the chef would yell "86 the prime rib"! (or
whatever), but also heard that it is a government term.
- Annemarie Meyer CEC
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The reason is because of the old specs used to bury the average person----the
hole is "6" feet deep, and is "8" feet long. Hence, being called "86d" was not
a good thing...but a "gone" thing...
- Matt Tredemeyer
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In regard to your article on the term 86'd. It was my understanding that it
was borrowed from the policy of "86ing" someone when that person has had too
much to drink. He/she is no longer being served. 86 refers to article 86 of
the New York State Liquor laws that define when someone should not, legally,
be served in places that sell alcoholic beverages. I could be wrong, but, I
don't think I am.
Tom Sawyer
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One of the stories that I have heard on the origin of the term 86 is as
follows: In the old days of soup kitchens they prepared enough soup for 85
people. Obviously if you were # 86 there was none left. Since the use of 86 to
denote a menu item that is not available.
Enjoy.
Leslie Bartosh, CCC, FMP
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May be wrong, but do believe that "86" comes from the, now ancient,
brass-pounder's shortcut codes.
For those of you who don't understand "brass-pounder", it refers to original
radio communication using a telegraph key. Still used by ships at sea and
hardcore amateur radio guys and gals (hams).
Original meaning of "86" was to ignore previous message or otherwise eliminate
something, e.g., "86 Saddam Hussein" (now that would be a useful order).
Another useful code item is "88" meaning "love and kisses". Others may be
found in the ARRL Handbook. Don't know why "86" was chosen but may suggest
that it as originally wireless brass- pounding was mainly a shipboard art and
that it comes from the naval term "deep-six", likewise meaning to get rid of
something (by dumping in at least 6 fathoms (deeps) or 36 feet of ocean).
Gil Gaunce - gil[at]asianet.net
Tokyo, Japan
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Re: Where does the term 86'd come from - 2006.01.15, 07:07 - Wolverineguy 