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It has always struck me that the term "church key" as a reference to a bottle open has absolutely nothing to do with either the Church or a key. Rather, I believe that the term is a distortion of the rather unusual word "tchotchke" which is a trinket of any sort, and generally used to refer to an advertising or promotional gadget. Bottle and can openers (tchotchkes) were once given away by beer brewers and distributors, as well as gas stations and other businesses. They were intended to do what any advertisement is supposed to do: keep the product name in the customers' attention. "tchotchke" is not a well known word, but it does sound a lot like "church key." This confusion may have come about intentionally (somebody knew the word but intentionally distorted it, perhaps because they couldn't spell it) or unintentionally (somebody heard the word said properly, didn't know the word, and repeated it the way they thought they heard it as "church key.") In any event, I have read that can and bottle openers are called "church keys" because of their resemblance to key that the clergy carry or carried around with them. Take a look at a can opener, then take a look at a key. Judge for yourself how much resemblance there is. It is much easier for me to believe that the term "church key" comes from something that sounds similar ("tchotchke") than from something it is said to resemble, but does not.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoA churchkey initially referred to a simple hand-operated device for prying the cap (called a "crown cork") off a glass bottle; this kind of closure was invented in 1898, although there is no evidence that the opener was called a "church key" at that time. The shape and design of some of these openers did resemble a large simple key.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoA beer bottle opener is known as a churchkey.
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Where can one purchase a beer bottle opener?
One can purchase a beer bottle opener at physical stores such as Walmart, Kmart, and Target, and at any store that sells liquor. Beer bottle openers can also be purchased at online sites such as Amazon and eBay.
a utensil for removing crowns from beer /pop bottles?
Bottle opener
What is a good gift for a beer lover?
You could get him a gift with a bunch of different international beers to taste test. You could also get an interesting looking beer bottle opener, or a beer sleeve that is intended to keep beer bottles colder longer.
What does deans ring in supernatrual mean?
There was no meaning behind it. Jensen said that it was used as a beer bottle opener. Dean got rid of it during the Apocalypse.
Name of Imported Mexican beer in black bottle?
The beer that is called Two X's, Dos Equis.
What is a beer bottle?
Bottles designed for storing beer are called beer bottles. Often, the glass for such designs is brown or green in color to prevent spoilage from light, especially ultraviolet light. The most widely established alternatives to glass containers for beer in retail sales are beverage cans and aluminium bottles; kegs are commonly used for larger quantities.
A regular boring paint can opener that also works as the best bottle opener who came up with that idea is it to suggest that we should be drinking beer while painting the house?
I think you are working backward on this one, the fact that a can opener of any form can be used to open any number of bottles, cans etc. does not mean that it is suggested or even implied that one should use the tool for both beer and paint at the same time. However, many a beer drinker sees the connection. Personally as a drinker of sodas I see it for that angle, but it does not however imply that you should or must drink root beer, grape knee-high or orange crush when you paint.
Why do only American beers have twist off caps?
Because we're lazy, and we want our beer now, we dont' want to have to search for a bottle opener. Americans are constantly searching for the easiest, quickest way to do everything.
Why beer is put in the coloured bottle?
Colored bottle blocks the light. The light effects the yeast making skunky beer.
What to do when you have foreign matter in bottle of beer you puurchase sitting and floating inside at the bottom of beer bottle?
Bring it to the attention of the seller.
What has a neck but no face?
A beer bottle.
What are some essential accessories for a home bar?
A wine cooler, fixed bottle opener, and ice dispenser for a start. If you have a favorite beer you can install a tap that connects to a keg. And a neon sign with your favorite log never hurts either.
