Interestingly enough, just last night a neighbor mentioned 86 coming from some WWII era plane. Just thought I’d throw that in there.
I wonder if that’s how Maxwell Smart and his wife got their agent numbers.
99 did seem like a boss on the prowl when Max was being a little too silly.
“Coming from” in what way? A model number?
This topic is sounding more and more like the “whole nine yards” thing.
OMG. I might be on the cuting edge here.
I remember hearing that the term came from Prohibition-era New York. The bar Chuley’s had (and still has) two doors, one main door, and a side door. I think the main door is number 86 on its street.
So when the proprietors were tipped off to a raid by the police, they would make sure that the police came in through the door numbered 86. Thus, “we’ve been 86’ed,” meaning that the jig is up.
But why does “everything’s jake” mean “it’s all good?”
That theory is being floated in the other thread on this topic. We even have a post from someone who worked there. But no proof originating from the time this was supposed to have started, ie the 1920s.
If proof of a Chumley’s origin ever surfaces, you’ll have some surprised etymologists.
my reply is on the other ‘86’ thread, but get a map of arizona to read it,( i should have suggested there)
my reply is on the other ‘86’ thread, but get a map of arizona to read it,( i should have suggested that there)