So much drama over a number!
What does someone mean when they say something should be "86"ed?
It's not confusing. It doesn't hinge on situational content, but on who's using it. It doesn't even have anything to do with the origin of the term.
If someone's background is restaurant-/food-related. they think "86" means to "get rid of". That's how they'll use it. That's what they'll hear or see when anyone else uses it.
If someone's background is crime/government, they think "86" means to "kill". That's how they'll use it. That's what they'll hear or see when anyone else uses it.
It's simple.
This is why neither side thinks the other side is using it correctly. It gives plausible deniability.
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Thank you for reading.
