In the context of food service and hospitality, "86" is a term used to indicate that an item is no longer available or has been removed from the menu. This can happen for various reasons, such as running out of ingredients or discontinuing a dish. Staff members often use this term to communicate quickly and efficiently about inventory status. The origin of the term is somewhat unclear, but it is commonly believed to have originated in the 1930s in American diners. It has since become a part of the vernacular in the restaurant industry, helping to streamline communication among servers, kitchen staff, and management.