According to Wikipedia, “86” is a slang term that is used in the American popular culture as a transitive verb to mean “Throw out”, get rid of”, particularly in the food service industry as a term to describe an item no longer available on the menu, or to refuse service to a customer. I’ve used this term to trespassers who try to come back into the grocery store and many of them do understand. I like to think “86” is more of a “polite” term as opposed to “get out,” or “if you don’t leave, I’ll call the cops!”
However, this one particular incident got me confused…
Me: Excuse me but you’ve been trespassed.
Trespassing Transient: No you have the wrong guy!
I pull out the paper with his mug shot…
Me: I’m pretty sure it’s you.
Trespassing Transient: [yelling] Can I just get something?
Me: No. You’ve been 86. You have to go.
Trespassing Transient: Fine. Whatever! And it’s not 86 it’s 69!
Confused. I thought about it for a long minute…
Me: It’s 86! So you gotta go!
Trespassing Transient: 69! 69! 69! It’s 69!
Me: No it’s 86! Stop wasting my time. I’ll call the cops!
Trespassing Transient: 69! 69! Wasting your time? You get paid by the hour anyhow!
You know he’s right…
Me: It’s 86…
