by 
Anonymous
ANSWERS: 2
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A few theories. Article 86 of the New York State Liquor Code defines the circumstances in which a bar patron should be refused alcohol or '86ed'. The Soup Kitchen Theory during the depression of the 1930s, soup kitchens would often make just enough soup for 85 people. If you were next in line after number 85, you were '86ed'. The Eight Feet By Six Feet Theory A coffin is usually eight feet long and is buried six feet under. Once in your coffin you've been 'eight by sixed', which shortens to '86ed' The exact origins of diner slang have not been clearly identified. There appears to be some common usage by black waiters in the 1870s and 1880s. Diner slang was popular in diners, lunch rooms and luncheonettes from the 1920s until the 1970s. Although many of the terms were created for fun and to lighten up the stress of the restaurant environment, having distinct names for menu items helped the short order cooks. http://www.dinermuseum.org/culture/culture-slang.php
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"Origin unknown" is the best answer anyone can come up with. (Don't believe the wild claims at Urbandictionary. They lack research and scholarship to back them up.)
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