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86EM

01/28/11 12:26 PM

#1027 RE: Redlegs #1022


86'ed is diner or bar slang to end someone's order. It can be a negative order, where the patron is refused service. The inverse is in context of ingredients where parts of the order are "86'ed" or removed.

There are several theories on the origin of the term. In the bar culture, it is attributed to Article 86 of the New York State Liquor Code. Article 86 specifically outlines the circumstances in which a bar patron should be refused alcohol or removed from the bar. In the restaurant culture, the theory goes back to the Great Depression and the soup kitchens. The legend goes that soup kitchens were limited to 85 patrons at a time so number 86 in line wouldn't receive food.