eightysixed

Eightysixed is a slang term commonly used in the restaurant and bar industry. It means that an item on the menu is unavailable, either because it has run out of stock or is no longer offered. The term is believed to originate from the practice of "eighting" out an item on a chalk or paper menu when it was no longer available. The number "eighty-six" was written next to the item, or a line was drawn through it with the number "86" next to it.

The exact origin of the term is debated, with several theories existing. One theory suggests it comes from a New York City bar called "86" on Third Avenue, where patrons would be ejected if they became too rowdy. Another theory points to the Chinese zodiac, where the number 86 is associated with bad luck and dismissal. A more practical explanation relates to shipping and inventory, where items might be removed from stock lists once they reached a certain count.

Regardless of its precise etymology, "eightysixed" has become a widely understood phrase within the service industry. It's a quick and efficient way for staff to communicate the unavailability of a product to colleagues and, sometimes, to customers. For example, a server might tell a customer, "I'm sorry, the special is eightysixed for tonight." The term has also found its way into broader popular culture, appearing in movies, television shows, and literature.