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What does 86 mean in military code? Fact-check reveals AWOL meaning

“What does 86 mean in military code”
Absent without leave
Confidence: High Checked on April 29, 2026

Summary

In U.S. military terminology, “86” refers to Article 86 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which designates a service member as absent without leave (AWOL). The code is used to indicate that a soldier has left their post or duty without authorization.

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Sources 59 searched

nytimes.com
snopes.com
  • Etymology of '86' | Snopes.com

    Some think to attempt to tie the origin of the term to Article 86 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the AWOL (absent without leave) section of that code that makes it a crime for one serving in the military to fail to go to his appointed ...

en.wikipedia.org
  • 86 (term) - Wikipedia

    Part of the jargon used by soda jerks. Walter Winchell wrote about this in 1933, in his syndicated On Broadway column. In this, the code 13 meant that a boss was around, 81 was a glass of water and 86 meant "all out of it".

writingexplained.org
  • Where Did the Term 86 Come From? - Writing Explained

    One such story relates to Article 86 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. This section deals with soldiers who have gone AWOL. Another military origin story relates to a Navy coding system that designated items for disposal.

veterandisabilityadviser.com
  • Understanding the Military Slang: What Does ’86’ Mean for U.S. Veterans?

    This blog post delves into the fascinating world of military slang, particularly the term '86'. It explores its meanings, origins, and the cultural significance it holds within military and veteran communities. By understanding military slang like '86', civilians can gain insight into the shared ...

merriam-webster.com
  • What does 'eighty-six' mean? | Merriam-Webster

    1972 · It should be noted that, despite the fanciful story given above, the etymology of eighty-six is unclear. The more common explanation is that the word came about as rhyming slang for nix.

getknowapp.com
  • What Does 86 Mean? How Restaurants Use ‘86’ Today

    Some believe the term “86” comes from World War II military slang, where it was used to mean “eliminate” or “get rid of.” Military personnel might use “86” when ordering the disposal of equipment or even when referring to removing ...

stlmag.com
history.com

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