Federal prosecutors have charged former FBI Director James Comey with threatening President Donald Trump by using the term “86” in an Instagram post. The indictment claims that a reasonable person familiar with the context would interpret Comey’s post, which featured seashells arranged to read “86 47,” as a serious threat. Many in the food service industry, however, argue that “86” is common slang meaning an item is out of stock or no longer available. Industry professionals, including operational excellence consultant Mike Reyes, have expressed disbelief at the accusation, emphasizing that the term is used innocuously in their line of work. The historical roots of the term date back to the 1930s and are often linked to the restaurant industry, with various origin stories suggesting its use in contexts ranging from menu items to customer service.
Why It Matters
The case highlights the intersection of language, social media, and legal interpretation, particularly how common phrases can take on different meanings in various contexts. The term “86” has a rich history in hospitality, reflecting its longstanding use to communicate the unavailability of items. This incident also underscores the complexities of language in legal situations, where context can lead to vastly different interpretations. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case may set precedents regarding how language is interpreted in relation to perceived threats against public figures.
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