The phrase "eighty six" is spelled as /ˌeɪti ˈsɪks/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It consists of two words, "eighty" and "six", both of which have their own unique vowel sounds. "Eighty" is pronounced with a long "a" sound, represented by /eɪ/, while "six" has a short "i" sound, represented by /ɪ/. The combination of these sounds creates a distinct and easily recognizable phrase that is used to signify the act of removing or discarding something.
Eighty six is a phrase commonly used in the food service industry to indicate that a particular item on a menu is no longer available or out of stock. The phrase originated from the early 20th century within the restaurant culture and has since become part of the common parlance in culinary establishments.
The term "eighty six" is believed to have its roots in rhyming slang, where "86" was used as a code term to discreetly convey the message that an item was no longer available. Its usage has expanded beyond the realm of food service industry, and it is now often employed in various other contexts to mean the discontinuation or cessation of something.
When an item is "eighty-sixed," it essentially means that its supply has been depleted, or there is a temporary inability to provide it. This information is usually communicated to the staff through verbal communication or written notices in order to inform customers and prevent any confusion or disappointment. The phrase is often heard in busy restaurants or bars, particularly during peak hours when popular items tend to sell out quickly.
In conclusion, "eighty six" is a phrase used in the food service industry to signify the unavailability of a particular menu item. Its origin can be traced back to rhyming slang, and its usage has expanded beyond the culinary world to convey the cessation or discontinuation of something.
The origins of the phrase "eighty six" are uncertain, and several theories have been proposed. One common theory suggests that it originated in the United States in the early 20th century and was primarily used in the restaurant industry. According to this theory, the phrase originally referred to the practice of ordering a specific dish or item that was no longer available, marking it as "86" on the menu or on a ticket to indicate its unavailability. Over time, the term "eighty six" became synonymous with "to get rid of" or "to discard" something.
Another theory suggests that the phrase "eighty six" may have roots in the Prohibition era. Some claim that it was code language used by speakeasies and bars to indicate that they were running out of alcohol, instructing people to leave or order non-alcoholic beverages instead.