The structure is a simple verb formed from the number 86, whose exact origin is debated but likely comes from old restaurant or bar codes. It is used to describe canceling a customer's order, removing an item from the menu because it's sold out, or refusing service to a difficult patron. People typically say "86 the salmon" when the kitchen runs out, or "86 that guy at the bar" when a customer is cut off.

What does "to 86" mean in restaurant slang?

to 86

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The structure is a compound noun that compares an overcooked burger to the dense, rubbery disc used in ice hockey, emphasizing the unappetizing texture and appearance. It is used to describe a very well done or overcooked burger that is hard, dry, and burnt, often served by mistake or by cooks who left it on the grill too long. People typically say "This burger is a hockey puck" when complaining about dry, tough meat.

What does "hockey puck" mean in restaurant slang?

hockey puck

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A greasy spoon is a small, inexpensive place known for serving comfort food, often with a focus on breakfast items and classic American foods. These establishments typically feature a simple décor with counter seating and a few tables, creating a casual atmosphere. The menu usually includes dishes like eggs, bacon, pancakes, burgers, and fries, all cooked in generous amounts of oil or butter. Greasy spoons are beloved for their generous portions, affordable prices, and down-to-earth vibe.

What is a "greasy spoon"?

greasy spoon

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It is used to describe a cheap, simple, or no frills eatery that prioritizes fast service and low prices over ambiance, cleanliness, or gourmet ingredients. People typically say "Let's just grab something at a quick-and-dirty spot" when they are hungry but don't care about where they eat. The term originated in American casual speech during the mid 20th century, extending beyond restaurants into any fast, rough, or temporary solution, but remains common in dining slang.

What does "quick-and-dirty" mean in restaurant slang?

quick-and-dirty

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It is used to describe a small inn or guesthouse that offers overnight accommodations and a morning meal, typically in a private home or converted historic building, often with personalized service. People typically say "We're staying at a bed and breakfast" when looking for a cozy alternative to chain hotels. The term originated in the United Kingdom during the early 20th century, later spreading to the United States and worldwide, and remains standard in travel and hospitality vocabulary.

What does "bed and breakfast" mean?

bed and breakfast

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The structure uses "weeds" as a metaphor for being trapped or tangled up, borrowed from gardening where weeds overtake plants, repurposed to describe a chaotic work environment. It is used to describe a server, cook, or bartender who is overwhelmed by too many customer orders, unable to keep up with the pace or catch up on tasks. People typically say "I'm in the weeds" when they need help or are falling behind during a rush.

What does "in the weeds" mean in restaurant slang?

in the weeds

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The structure is a simple noun borrowed from Java, an Indonesian island known for its coffee production, turning a place name into a common word for the beverage. It is used to describe coffee, often in casual or slightly old fashioned contexts, such as "Grab a cup of java" or "I need some java to wake up." The term originated in American slang during the mid 19th century, when Java was a major exporter of coffee beans, and became popular in the 20th century through diner culture and jazz scenes.

What does "java" mean in slang?

java

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The structure is a verb phrase that uses "wheels" as a metaphor for mobility, suggesting something is being physically moved from one place to another. It is used to describe serving a dish or item tableside, such as carving meat, mixing a salad, or flambéing a dessert from a rolling cart brought directly to the customer's table. People typically say "Let's put wheels on the dessert" when preparing a tableside presentation.

What does "to put wheels on it" mean in hospitality or event slang?

to [put] wheels on it

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Sunny-side up eggs are fried eggs where the yolks remain runny and are cooked on only one side, facing up when served. The eggs are fried in a pan or skillet until the whites are set, but the yolks remain soft and runny. Unlike over easy eggs, sunny-side up eggs are not flipped during cooking. The soft yolks remain exposed on top, "facing up" when the eggs are served. The name "sunny-side up" refers to the yolks facing up like the sun.

What is "sunny-side up"?

sunny-side up

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The structure combines "works" (everything included or all available components) with "with the," forming a phrase that promises completeness. It is used to describe having all the standard toppings or extras, especially on a sandwich, burger, hot dog, or pizza, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise. People typically say "Give me a burger with the works" when they want no items skipped.

What does "with the works" mean in restaurant slang?

with the works

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The structure combines "Taco" (a Mexican dish) with "Tuesday," forming an alliterative phrase that is easy to remember and repeat. It is used to describe a tradition of eating tacos on Tuesdays, often promoted by restaurants through discounts, specials, or themed events. People typically say "It's Taco Tuesday" when suggesting tacos for dinner or celebrating the midweek tradition. The term originated in the 1980s as a marketing campaign, notably trademarked by a Wyoming restaurant chain, and later became a widespread cultural phenomenon.

What does "Taco Tuesday" mean in food slang?

Taco Tuesday

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The structure is a simple adjective borrowed from its literal meaning of not alive, repurposed to describe a lack of energy, activity, or excitement. It is used to describe a place, time, or situation that is empty, quiet, boring, or without movement, such as a town with no nightlife, a slow business season, or a bar with no customers. People typically say "It's dead in here" when a venue is empty, or "This party is dead" when no one is dancing or talking.

What does "dead" mean in casual slang?

dead

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The structure is a simple verb borrowed from its literal meaning of setting on fire, but used in cooking to mean cooking something thoroughly or to a preferred well done state, not actually setting it on fire. It is used to describe cooking food until it is fully done, crispy, or browned, often in contrast to rare or undercooked preparations. People typically say "burn the bacon" when they want it extra crispy, or "burn the edges of the steak" for a charred finish.

What does "to burn" mean in cooking slang?

to burn

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Here you will find slang from diner and kitchen lingo, capturing terms used in restaurants, food prep, and the everyday language of cooks and servers.

Limba Mesei și a Bucătăriei

Slang englezesc pentru terminologia sălii de mese și a bucătăriei

Diner & Kitchen Lingo

English Slang for Diner & Kitchen Lingo