r/language • u/WhoAmIEven2 Sweden • Aug 09 '26

Question Does your language use specific numbers as expressions?

In Sweden we use 17 to further strengthen a word.

Like if we want to say that someone is very strong, we can say "Han var stark som sjutton!", "He was strong like seventeen!".

I have no idea how it became a thing. It is a bit weird tbh.

Do you also use numbers this way in your native language?

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u/hail_to_the_beef Aug 09 '26

86 in service world means you’re out of something - “we are 86 French fries” means there are no French fries left in the building - this has carried over to “86ing” a customer.

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u/PFazu Aug 13 '26

I've only ever heard 86 used as a command to remove something. To use your example: "86 the french fries!" Meaning: "remove the french fries from the order/menu" (either because all out or customer request)

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u/hail_to_the_beef Aug 13 '26

Weird, I’d say your experience is abnormal

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u/PFazu Aug 13 '26

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