How Do You Spell EIGHTYSIX?

Pronunciation: [ˈe͡ɪtɪsˌɪks] (IPA)

The word "eightysix" has a unique spelling that can be explained through IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "eigh" is pronounced as /eɪ/, which represents the diphthong sound of "a" and "e". The second syllable "ty" is pronounced as /tɪ/, representing the short "i" sound. Finally, the third syllable "six" is pronounced as /sɪks/, which represents the standard pronunciation of the word "six". Together, the word "eightysix" is pronounced as /eɪtɪsɪks/, with the emphasis on the first syllable "eigh".

EIGHTYSIX Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "eightysix" is a slang word that originated in the United States and has become widely used in various English-speaking countries. Primarily used as a verb, it carries the meaning of removing or getting rid of something or someone, often abruptly or forcefully. It can also signify refusing service or excluding someone from a particular place or situation.

    This word has its roots in American diner culture in the 1930s, where it was believed to have been coined by restaurant staff to discreetly inform each other to stop serving a certain dish or a specific customer. The number "86" was chosen due to the rhyme between "eighty" and "eight," ensuring clarity in communication among the staff members.

    Over time, "eightysix" has evolved beyond the restaurant industry and made its way into everyday slang. It has become a versatile term used in various contexts. For example, someone might say, "They eighty-sixed him from the club for causing trouble," indicating that the person was forcefully removed. Similarly, a restaurant might eighty-six a dish from their menu, meaning it is no longer available.

    With its widespread usage, "eightysix" has become a colloquial term understood by a broad range of individuals. However, due to its informal nature, it is best used in casual settings and not in formal or professional environments.

Common Misspellings for EIGHTYSIX

  • eighty-six
  • eightysixed
  • wightysix
  • sightysix
  • dightysix
  • rightysix
  • 4ightysix
  • 3ightysix
  • eughtysix
  • ejghtysix
  • ekghtysix
  • eoghtysix
  • e9ghtysix
  • e8ghtysix
  • eifhtysix
  • eivhtysix
  • eibhtysix
  • eihhtysix
  • eiyhtysix
  • eithtysix

Etymology of EIGHTYSIX

The term "eightysix" has its origins in American English slang, specifically in the restaurant industry. It is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century as a code to notify staff that an item on the menu is no longer available, or that a customer should be denied service.

The etymology of "eightysix" is not entirely clear and there are various theories about its origin. One popular theory suggests that it comes from a combination of the words "eight" and "six", where "eight" refers to the letter 'e' and "six" represents the letter 'x'. In the restaurant-setting context, when an item or customer is "eightysixed", it means they are crossed out (like 'x'ing out), indicating they are no longer part of the options.

Idioms with the word EIGHTYSIX

  • eightysix sth The idiom "eightysix something" means to cancel, remove, or get rid of something or someone, typically from a list, inventory, menu, or a particular situation. It suggests discarding or rejecting the mentioned thing or person.

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