To 86 somebody means to refuse service to, remove, ban, exclude, or get rid of a person, usually from a place, event, job, group, or situation. Consider this: the phrase is common in restaurants, bars, workplaces, schools, entertainment circles, and casual conversation. Depending on the context, it can sound playful, serious, professional, or even threatening.
What Does “86 Somebody” Mean?
The most common meaning of “86 somebody” is to kick someone out, ban them from a place, or stop serving them. If a bartender says, “We’re 86ing him,” they usually mean the person is no longer allowed to receive drinks or remain at the establishment.
Quick note before moving on.
For example:
- “The host 86ed him from the club after he started a fight.”
- “The restaurant 86ed her for being rude to the staff.”
- “Don’t bring that guy back here; he was 86ed last month.”
In these examples, 86 somebody means the person has been rejected, removed, or barred from returning.
The phrase can also mean firing someone, excluding someone from a group, or getting rid of them in some informal way. Because slang changes depending on the community, the exact meaning depends heavily on context Worth keeping that in mind..
Where Did “86 Somebody” Come From?
The origin of “86” is not completely certain, but it has been used in American slang for many decades. One of the most common theories connects it to restaurants and bars. In food service, “86” something traditionally means it is out of stock, unavailable, or removed from the menu Practical, not theoretical..
To give you an idea, a server might say:
“We’re 86 the salmon.”
That means the restaurant does not have salmon available anymore. Even so, over time, the expression expanded. Instead of being “86ed” from the menu, a person could be “86ed” from a place, meaning they were no longer welcome.
Another theory suggests that “86” may have come from older codes used in restaurants, soda fountains, or police departments. So naturally, in some slang systems, numbers were used as shorthand for actions or warnings. While the exact origin is debated, the modern meaning is clear: to 86 someone is to remove them, reject them, or deny them access That's the part that actually makes a difference. Worth knowing..
“86” in Restaurants and Bars
Restaurants and bars are where the phrase is especially common. A business may 86 a person for breaking rules, being disruptive, refusing to pay, harassing staff, or behaving aggressively The details matter here..
Common reasons someone might be 86ed include:
- Creating a disturbance
- Being rude or abusive
- Fighting or threatening others
- Entering after closing time
- Refusing to leave
- Being banned for repeated misconduct
- Violating dress codes or house rules
A manager might say:
“We had to 86 him after he yelled at the waitstaff.”
This means the person was asked to leave and may not be allowed back Practical, not theoretical..
In a restaurant, “86” can also refer to food or supplies. If a menu item is unavailable, the kitchen may announce:
“We’re 86 the pasta.”
This means the pasta has run out or cannot be prepared. The same word can apply to both objects and people, which is why the phrase can be confusing at first It's one of those things that adds up..
“86 Somebody” vs. “Ban Somebody”
The phrase “ban somebody” usually sounds formal and official. A venue, school, website, or organization may ban someone from returning. Saying “86 somebody” sounds more informal and slangy, but it often means something similar The details matter here..
For example:
- “The bar banned him for the night.”
- “The club 86ed him after the incident.”
Both sentences suggest the person was removed, but the second one sounds more casual and industry-specific.
A formal version might be:
“The customer was removed from the premises and is no longer permitted to return.”
A casual version would be:
“They 86ed him.”
Both can mean roughly the same thing, but “86ed” carries a more slang-driven tone.
Can You 86 Someone from a Workplace?
Yes, “86 somebody” can be used at work, although it may sound informal or even unprofessional depending on the setting. In a workplace, it might mean someone has been fired, removed from a project, excluded from a meeting, or no longer wanted in a particular role.
The official docs gloss over this. That's a mistake.
For example:
- “The manager 86ed him from the presentation after he kept interrupting.”
- “The company 86ed her from the team after repeated policy violations.”
- “They 86ed the contractor after the deadline was missed.”
On the flip side, in professional communication, it is usually better to use clearer language such as removed, terminated, excluded, denied access, or no longer permitted to participate. Saying “86ed” at work may sound too casual unless you are speaking informally with coworkers Small thing, real impact..
“86” in Music and Entertainment
In music, especially jazz and performance settings, “86” can also mean to omit, cut, or leave out something. A musician might say:
“Let’s 86 the solo this time.”
That means the solo will not be played The details matter here..
In entertainment, someone might also say:
“They 86ed him from the show.”
This could mean the performer was removed, replaced, or excluded from the
performance altogether The details matter here..
In this context, “86” does not always mean the person was fired or permanently banned. It may simply mean they were left out of a particular performance, recording, set list, or production.
Other Common Uses of “86”
Outside restaurants and entertainment, “86” can mean many different things depending on the situation.
It may mean:
- to cancel something
- to get rid of something
- to stop using something
- to leave someone out
- to remove someone from a place or activity
For example:
“We 86ed the old software.”
This means the old software was removed or discontinued.
“They 86ed the meeting.”
This means the meeting was canceled.
“I 86ed dessert after lunch.”
This is a more casual way of saying, “I decided not to have dessert.”
Because “86” is slang, its exact meaning can depend heavily on context.
“86” vs. “Blacklist”
The words “86” and “blacklist” can sound similar because both may involve excluding someone, but they are not exactly the same.
To blacklist someone usually means to deliberately prevent them from getting work, opportunities, or access because of a reputation or past action.
To 86 someone usually means to remove them, reject them, or leave them out in a more immediate or informal situation.
For example:
“The studio blacklisted him after the scandal.”
This suggests a more serious, long-term exclusion.
“The club 86ed him after he caused a disturbance.”
This suggests he was removed from that place, at least for the time being.
Is “86 Somebody” Rude?
Saying “86 somebody” is not usually considered offensive, but it can sound blunt or harsh depending on the situation.
In casual conversation, it is common and understandable:
“The bouncer 86ed him when he started fighting.”
Still, in formal writing or professional communication, it may sound too informal. Instead of saying:
“They 86ed her from the project.”
You might say:
“She was removed from the project due to repeated violations of company policy.”
The meaning is similar, but the second sentence sounds more professional.
How to Use “86ed” Correctly
The past tense is usually “86ed” or “eighty-sixed.”
Common forms include:
- 86 someone — remove or exclude someone
- 86 something — cancel, remove, or run out of something
- 86ed — past tense
- 86ing — currently removing, canceling, or excluding
Examples:
“The restaurant 86ed the steak because they were sold out.”
“The DJ 86ed that song from the playlist.”
“The landlord 86ed him from the building after the argument.”
“We’re 86ing the original plan because the weather is terrible.”
Can “86” Mean “Die” or “Get in Trouble”?
In some slang contexts, “86” can imply that someone is in serious trouble, finished, or no longer useful, but this depends on tone and context Turns out it matters..
For example:
“If the boss finds out, he’s 86ed.”
This could mean he may be fired, punished, or removed from the situation.
It does not usually mean literal death, but it can suggest that someone’s position, plan, or reputation has been seriously damaged.
Quick Summary
To “86 somebody” usually means to remove them, exclude them, or ban them from a place or activity The details matter here. And it works..
In a restaurant, it may mean:
“That customer is not allowed back.”
In the kitchen, it may mean:
“That item is unavailable.”
Where Does "86" Come From?
The exact origin of the term "86" is debated, but several theories exist. Which means one popular story traces it back to a New York bar during Prohibition, where law enforcement would raid establishments and remove certain items from the menu. Another theory suggests it comes from the old numbering system used in diners, where item 86 on the menu was the one that had run out Worth knowing..
Regardless of its true origin, the phrase has become deeply embedded in American English, especially in service industries like restaurants, bars, and clubs.
Common Mistakes People Make
One frequent error is using "86" as a noun rather than a verb. For example:
❌ "I got the 86 on that dish." ✅ "I got 86 on that dish."
The term functions as a verb, not a noun. On the flip side, you wouldn't say "I got the blacklist" to mean you were banned — you'd say "I was blacklisted. " The same logic applies here.
Another mistake is overusing it in professional settings. While it's perfectly fine among friends or coworkers in casual environments, dropping it into an email or report can come across as unprofessional or confusing to those unfamiliar with the slang.
"86" in Pop Culture and Media
The term has appeared in movies, TV shows, and songs, often signaling a dramatic removal or cancellation. Its frequent use in comedy and crime dramas has helped spread its popularity beyond the service industry Worth keeping that in mind..
Because of this exposure, younger generations and pop culture fans may understand the term even if they have never worked in a restaurant or bar.
Final Thoughts
Language is constantly evolving, and slang terms like "86" reflect how people find creative ways to express everyday ideas. Whether you're managing a busy kitchen, navigating a social situation, or simply trying to sound like a local, understanding this term gives you a useful piece of modern American vocabulary Simple, but easy to overlook..
In short, "86" is a versatile, informal expression that means to remove, reject, or cancel something — and now you know exactly when and how to use it.
Conclusion
While "86" and "blacklist" share the idea of exclusion, they differ in tone, formality, and scope. "Blacklist" carries a heavier, more permanent weight, often tied to reputation and career consequences. "86", on the other hand, is casual, immediate, and flexible — used to describe anything from a removed menu item to a banned patron.
Understanding the nuances between these terms helps you communicate more effectively, whether you're speaking casually with friends or writing in a professional context. The next time you hear someone say "we're 86ing that," you'll know exactly what they mean — and you'll know exactly how to respond.
