The Misunderstanding of "Eighty-Six" in Popular Culture

Understanding the Term "Eighty-Six"

As a criminal defense lawyer with over fifty years of experience in handling serious cases, I want to clarify a common misconception surrounding the term "eighty-six." My time spent reading police reports, cross-examining witnesses, and conducting hours of conversations with clients has given me unique insights into language, especially as I also collect dictionaries.

To be clear, “eighty-six” does NOT mean to kill or to inflict violence on anyone. It never has.

The Origins of "Eighty-Six"

The term "eighty-six" first appeared in the Merriam-Webster's New International Dictionary in the 1961, Third Edition. In a similar vein, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) included it for the first time in its 1989, Second Edition. However, both publishers continuously gather usage data, making the definitions evolve over time.

The meaning of “eighty-six” might trace its roots back to the “Soda Jerk” lexicon from the 1930s. It was used to refer to "nixing" an item from the menu when the supply ran dry. Soda jerks had numerical codes, such as “ninety-five” to signify that a customer was trying to leave without paying and "ninety-eight" for "the manager has just walked in." These phrases, while historical, may not hold up well today. For more insights, refer to Tom Dalzell’s Flappers 2 Rappers (1996) and the American Heritage Dictionary, Third Edition (1992).

Usage in Bars and Restaurants

According to both the Official Webster’s and the OED, "eighty-six" became popular in the bar and restaurant industry, likely due to its rhyme with "nix." However, the exact origin remains unclear.

Starting in the late 1940s, the primary meaning of “eighty-six” evolved. It began to signify that a patron had consumed too much alcohol and should not be served more drinks. If a person is “eighty-sixed” from a bar or restaurant, it means they are not only cut off from further drinks but also ejected from the premises. When a restaurant manager instructs a bouncer to “eighty-six” a loud customer, they are not suggesting violence. Instead, they are indicating that the individual should be removed from the establishment.

Metaphorical Uses of "Eighty-Six"

The term "eighty-six" can also have metaphorical applications. For instance, a director might say to "eighty-six" an actor's sideburns for a scene, or a player could be “eighty-sixed” from a team. Additionally, someone might even be “eighty-sixed” from social media platforms like Twitter.

It's important to note that at no point is there documentation suggesting that “eighty-six” means to kill anyone or cause harm to them. Language does evolve over time, and it is possible that new interpretations might emerge. However, the foundational meaning remains the same.

Concerns Over Misinterpretations

There exist real concerns about actual calls for violence against individuals, such as judges or politicians. Prominent cases have drawn attention, such as threats against officials who make decisions contrary to certain political beliefs. It’s alarming to witness leniency towards individuals who exhibit aggressive behaviors while the legal system scrutinizes more innocuous terms like "eighty-six."

The Significance of "8647"

As an amateur lexicologist, the number "8647" holds significance beyond mathematical representations. Apart from being the square root of “74770609”—which intriguingly relates to the Boeing 747 Qatar Imperial trim package—its historical and current usage means to remove loud and disruptive individuals. More importantly, as a lawyer, I find it absurd that a term like “8647” could find itself at the center of a criminal investigation. Such occurrences undermine the integrity of the Department of Justice and the objective enforcement responsibilities of law enforcement.

Final Thoughts on Language Evolution

Language is a living entity that evolves based on cultural shifts and usage patterns. While new meanings may arise, it is crucial to hold fast to established definitions. Misunderstandings can lead to dangerous assumptions that foster negativity.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of language in today’s society, it's essential to focus on genuine issues rather than misappropriating terms like "eighty-six" for sensational narratives. In doing so, we can better address the actual calls for violence that plague our society today.

In conclusion, the term "eighty-six" has a rich history and a distinctly non-violent meaning. Understanding this term properly allows for clearer communication and a more productive dialogue in our discussions of language and its implications.

For those interested in exploring the meaning of "eighty-six," you may find the Oxford English Dictionary helpful for further reading.