Have you ever seen numbers like 86 47 floating around online and wondered if they’re just random digits—or something more? Believe it or not, these two numbers recently made headlines in a surprising political drama involving James Comey and President Trump. Let’s dive into what 86 47 means and why it has so many layers of interpretation.
The Origins of 86: From Diners to Danger
The number 86 has been around for nearly a century, originally as a piece of diner slang.
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In the 1930s and ’40s, diners used numerical codes to communicate discreetly:
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81 = a glass of water
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82 = two glasses of water
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86 = “we’re out of it”
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It was a simple, practical shorthand that saved time in busy kitchens.
Over time, 86 evolved from its literal “out of stock” meaning to a slang term for getting rid of or ejecting someone:
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Bars and restaurants would “86” unruly patrons.
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In noir crime novels, “86” could even imply elimination or death.
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Today, its use spans casual conversation, military slang, and pop culture references.
Interestingly, lexicologists note that the term’s meaning can “slide” depending on context, making it both versatile and potentially misunderstood.
Breaking Down 86 47: What Happened With Comey
In May 2025, former FBI director James Comey posted a photo on Instagram showing shells arranged to spell “86 47”.
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Trump administration officials interpreted it as a veiled threat, connecting:
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47 = President Trump, the 47th president
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86 = a call for elimination or assassination
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Comey’s explanation: He simply noted it was a “cool shell formation on my beach walk.”
This caused a stir in the media and on social platforms, highlighting how numbers can take on different meanings based on context and audience perception.
Could 86 47 Actually Mean “Assassinate”?
The idea isn’t as clear-cut as it might seem:
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Historical usage: Originally, 86 meant “out of something,” not murder.
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Modern interpretations: Some writers and slang dictionaries note that 86 can mean to kill in certain noir, criminal, or military contexts.
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Lexicologist perspective: Without specific evidence, assuming a lethal meaning is “preposterous,” according to Jesse Sheidlower of Columbia University.
This shows how slippery slang can be—what’s innocent to one person might feel threatening to another.
Fun Facts About Number Codes
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Numbers often carry hidden meanings in pop culture: Agent 47 in Hitman, or 143 meaning “I love you.”
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The number 47 itself has a cult following in Star Trek, appearing in episodes as a recurring Easter egg.
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Numbers like 86 47 spark curiosity because humans naturally want to decode mysteries.
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Even in restaurants today, chalkboards still feature “86” to indicate unavailable menu items.
Why Do People Get Obsessed With Numeric Meanings?
Numbers like 86 47 fascinate us because they mix mystery, code, and culture:
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They’re a puzzle waiting to be solved.
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They can hint at insider knowledge or a joke only certain groups understand.
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Sometimes, they gain notoriety through media coverage or political controversy.
Personal Insight
Seeing 86 47 in the news made me reflect on how language evolves. One day, a number is just a diner shorthand; the next, it becomes a political flashpoint. It’s a reminder of how playful symbols can suddenly feel loaded with meaning depending on who’s looking.
Conclusion
So, what does 86 47 mean? Context is everything. It could be diner slang, a pop culture nod, a playful number code, or, for some, a misunderstood threat. What’s clear is that numbers have power—they can inform, amuse, and even ignite controversy. Have you ever seen a number that made you stop and wonder what it meant?