The Linguistic Battle: James B. Comey’s ’86’ Post Sparks Federal Indictment
In a legal clash where semantics take center stage, former FBI Director James B. Comey finds himself at the heart of a federal indictment in North Carolina. The core of the dispute? A single, ambiguous slang term: “86.”
Federal prosecutors allege that Comey used the term on Instagram as a veiled threat to cause harm to President Donald Trump. The evidence in question is a photo of seashells on a beach, arranged to read “86 47.” According to the indictment, a reasonable person familiar with the context would interpret this as a serious expression of intent to do harm. However, a growing chorus of voices from the hospitality industry is calling this interpretation “ridiculous.”
What Does ’86’ Actually Mean?
For those outside the culinary world, the term might seem mysterious. But for millions of food service workers, it is an essential part of their daily vocabulary. In the hospitality industry, to “86” something simply means it is unavailable, sold out, or needs to be removed from the menu.
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- Industry Standard: Mike Reyes, an operational excellence consultant, notes that it is perhaps the most overused word in hospitality, used whenever an item is depleted.
- Business Branding: David Brungoli, owner of Pavin 86 in New York City, explains that the term is so deeply ingrained in restaurant culture that he incorporated it into his eatery’s name.
- Versatility: Chefs like John Coppola describe it as a flexible term—a noun or a verb—used to make something “disappear” if a dish isn’t up to standard.
The “Mob Term” Theory vs. Urban Legend
The tension in the James B. Comey case arises from conflicting definitions. President Trump has publicly argued that “86” is a mob term meaning “kill him,” citing movie tropes and organized crime lore.
However, experts are skeptical. Zach Jensen from the Mob Museum in Las Vegas suggests that the idea of “86” meaning “8 miles out and 6 feet under” is more of a modern urban legend than a documented criminal code. While the term has been used as a metaphor for murder in certain contexts during the 60s and 70s, it was never the primary origin of the phrase.
The Fascinating Origins of ’86’
Linguists and historians have several theories about where this phrase actually started, most of which point back to New York City:
- The Soda Fountain Theory: Professor Nicole Holliday of UC Berkeley suggests it dates back to the 1930s, referring to sold-out items at soda fountains.
- The Delmonico’s Theory: Some claim it refers to the 86th item on the menu at the famous Delmonico’s restaurant, which frequently sold out.
- The Speakeasy Theory: Another story links it to Chumley’s, a Prohibition-era speakeasy with an exit at 86 Bedford Street, where patrons were told to “86 it” to escape police raids.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the term is formally recognized as slang meaning to throw out, get rid of, or refuse service to a customer.
Conclusion: Interpretation vs. Intent
The case against James B. Comey highlights the precarious nature of digital communication. While prosecutors see a threat, a vast portion of the American workforce sees a common phrase used in kitchens every single day. As the legal process unfolds, the court must decide if “86 47” was a call for violence or simply a piece of hospitality lingo used in a political context.
