ChatGPT first admitted that “86” can mean “kill” in a common use. Then it said that it is not the primary dictionary definition.
It said the main meaning is restaurant slang: to get rid of something, remove it, or indicate it’s sold out (dating back to 1930s soda-counter slang). And there is no strong evidence that “86” originally meant “kill.” That interpretation is speculative/secondary at best, and major dictionaries do not list it as a primary definition.
When I asked if it would be okay for Trump to post “86 Comey and Obama,” ChatGPT replied: “No — I wouldn’t say it would be OK.”
It noted that while some slang sources mention “kill” as a possible meaning, it is context-dependent. Politically, naming specific people makes it reckless and inflammatory, even if the intent was “remove them politically.” It could still draw law enforcement attention.
ChatGPT’s final position: Neither Comey’s “86 47” post nor a hypothetical Trump “86 Comey and Obama” post should automatically be treated as a criminal threat without clear evidence of intent — but both would be reckless and inflammatory especially with clear targets and hostile context.
(See screenshots below for the full exchange)
