Here's where the term '86,' suddenly controversial, likely originated

Apnews - May 17th, 2025
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Former FBI Director James Comey's Instagram post featuring a shell formation with numbers '86 47' has ignited a political controversy. Republicans, including President Donald Trump, interpreted the post as a threat, alleging it implied violence against Trump, the 47th president. Comey clarified that he only intended a political message, drawing on the slang's origins in the food service industry where '86' means to get rid of something unwanted. The incident has led to a federal investigation, further straining the already contentious relationship between Trump and Comey.

The broader implications of this controversy highlight the challenges of communication in today's hyperpartisan environment. Language, particularly slang, can be interpreted in multiple ways, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts, especially when shared online. This event underscores the fluidity of language and the complexities of navigating meaning in public discourse, as noted by linguistics experts who emphasize the impact of context and cultural factors on interpretation. The story reflects the ongoing polarization in American politics and the role of social media in shaping political narratives.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article effectively covers a politically charged topic by exploring the origins and interpretations of the slang term '86' in the context of a controversy involving James Comey and Donald Trump. It accurately presents the historical background of the term and offers a balanced view of the differing interpretations. The inclusion of expert opinions adds credibility, though the article could benefit from more diverse perspectives and greater transparency in source selection. The story is timely and relevant, engaging readers interested in political discourse and linguistic analysis. While the article is generally clear and readable, minor improvements in clarity and conciseness could enhance its overall impact. Despite the potential for controversy, the article responsibly presents multiple viewpoints, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the issue.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article accurately reports the origin of the term '86' as food-service-industry jargon, which is supported by historical linguistics sources. It correctly identifies the term's primary meaning as 'to get rid of' or 'to throw out,' consistent with its use in restaurants and bars. The article also accurately reflects the political controversy surrounding James Comey's Instagram post, detailing both Comey's and Trump's interpretations. However, the claim that '86' is commonly used as a euphemism for killing is less supported, as sources indicate this usage is not widespread. Overall, the article presents verifiable facts, though it could benefit from more precise language regarding the term's less common meanings.

7
Balance

The article attempts to balance the perspectives of James Comey and Donald Trump, providing both sides of the interpretation of the Instagram post. It includes expert opinions from linguists, which adds depth to the discussion of the term '86.' However, the article could have included more viewpoints from independent political analysts to provide a broader context for the political implications of the controversy. The focus is primarily on the interpretations of the term, which may leave out other relevant political dynamics.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, presenting the main points in a logical order. It effectively explains the slang term '86' and its historical context. However, the narrative could be clearer in distinguishing between the different interpretations of the term's meaning, especially regarding its less common usage as a euphemism for killing. The language is mostly neutral, though some sections could be more concise to improve readability.

8
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including linguists and historical references, to support its claims about the origin and usage of the term '86.' The inclusion of expert opinions from a linguist adds authority to the discussion. However, the article could have benefited from more diverse sources, particularly political analysts, to provide a more comprehensive view of the political controversy. The reliance on a few key sources is generally sound but could be expanded for greater depth.

6
Transparency

The article provides context for the controversy and explains the origins of the term '86,' but it lacks detailed transparency regarding the methodology of how interpretations were gathered. The article does not disclose potential conflicts of interest or biases of the sources cited, which could be relevant given the political nature of the story. Greater transparency about the selection of sources and the basis for the claims would enhance the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/86_(term)
  2. https://www.7shifts.com/blog/what-does-86-mean-hospitality/
  3. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/51880/where-did-term-86-come
  4. https://home.binwise.com/blog/86-meaning
  5. https://www.wfmj.com/story/52782992/the-old-slang-term-86-probably-started-as-restaurant-worker-jargon-suddenly-its-in-the-news