"Illegitimi Non Carborundum" Keychain

$20.00

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The Cure For Road Rage

When times get tough...don't let the bastards grind you down! An extremely appropriate reminder for when you are driving, this humorous and uplifting keychain is made in Rhode Island of lead-free pewter. Includes card explaining the origin of the phrase (see below).

Uncommon Knowledge: The phrase "Illegitimi non carborundum" may look like Latin, but it doesn't exactly translate to "Don't Let the Bastards Grind You Down."

Carborundum is actually the name of an extremely hard mineral (silicon carbide) used for grinding. Illegitimi suggests illegitimate, but it really has no meaning in Latin.

The phrase originated during World War II and is attributed to British army intelligence. It was later adopted by US Army general "Vinegar" Joe Stillwell as his war-time motto.

Also available as a paperweight!

Exclusively for UncommonGoods

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Exclusive Made in the USA

Made from

pewter

Measurements

3" L, Pendant: 1.375" dia.; weight: 1 oz.

Item ID

18017

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Most of our items are in stock and will ship quickly. Orders for in-stock items placed before 5pm ET Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays, will ship in the US:

Economy shipping:

within 8 days, arriving no later than the 9th business day after the order was placed.

Standard shipping:

within 4 days, arriving 5 business days after the order was placed.

Preferred shipping:

within 2 days, arriving 3 business days after the order was placed.

Expedited shipping:

within 1 day, arriving 2 business days after the order was placed.

Express shipping:

will ship the same day and arrive 1 business day later.

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Reviews
Product Q&A

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Illegitimi Non Carborundum Keychain

4.5

(based on 90 reviews)

97%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Durable (61)
Unique (25)
Attractive (22)
Stylish (21)
Easy to use (14)

Cons

Heavy (4)
Heavy / bulky (4)
Poorly made (3)

Best Uses

Anytime (17)
Casual wear (5)
Cycling (3)
Day trip (3)
Everyday (3)

- Comfort vs Style:
- Comfort driven (23), Style driven (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Midrange shopper (18), Casual dresser (15), Practical (15), Budget shopper (13), Classic dresser (9)
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes (42), No (12)

Most Liked Positive Review

A perfect reminder...

I purchased two of these as gifts for my boyfriend and his best friend. They loved them! It's a great addition to their work keys, and also an important reminder when they start...Read complete review

I purchased two of these as gifts for my boyfriend and his best friend. They loved them! It's a great addition to their work keys, and also an important reminder when they start to get stressed out.

I have yet to find anything more creative to hand out as a work related gift, and I'm thrilled that Uncommon Goods had such a unique item!

Most Liked Negative Review

Not Functional

This keyring fails to perform its intended purpose; to hold keys securely together. I've been using it for a month now and at least once per day end up with a pocket full of...Read complete review

This keyring fails to perform its intended purpose; to hold keys securely together. I've been using it for a month now and at least once per day end up with a pocket full of loose keys. The threaded closure mechanism is poorly designed. Buy the paperweight instead.

Reviewed by 90 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-10

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4/1/2014

4.0

Great gift for myself and a friend!

By swtshopper7

from NY, NY

About Me Midrange Shopper

Pros

Attractive
Durable
Interesting
Unique

Cons

Best Uses

Anytime
Christmas
Parties

Comments about Illegitimi Non Carborundum Keychain:

I bought one for myself as a reminder to stay strong during stressful draining work days. I bought a second one for a friend who was going through a rough patch. The boxes they came in were slightly torn on the outside. The keychains are well made. Very unique and encouraging!

5/15/2013

5.0

Unique and thoughtful gift

By Sherry

from Gulf Coast, MS

Pros

Attractive
Durable
Fun To Use
Unique

Cons

Best Uses

Anytime

Comments about Illegitimi Non Carborundum Keychain:

We gave this to our son on his 16th birthday with keys to his car. He is a WWII history buff and loves Latin so this was a perfect gift. I also love the "road rage" reminder.

1/8/2013

5.0

Vent with class

By Frankie

from Lincoln,ne

About Me Midrange Shopper

Pros

Attractive
Unique

Cons

Best Uses

Anytime

Comments about Illegitimi Non Carborundum Keychain:

Is unique and humorous

1/3/2013

5.0

Keep it light when driving!

By Large Marge

from Cheyenne, WY

About Me Midrange Shopper

Pros

Attractive
Durable
Tough And Strong
Unique
Well-made

Cons

Best Uses

Anytime
A Rush Hour Chill Pill

Comments about Illegitimi Non Carborundum Keychain:

Just a little reminder everyday not to let things or people get you down! Unique, very well-made and a real conversation starter

12/6/2012

5.0

Smart witty!

By Heather

from Michigan

About Me High-end Shopper

Pros

Unique

Cons

Best Uses

Comments about Illegitimi Non Carborundum Keychain:

This really helped a friend get through a rough spot!

12/4/2012

5.0

The Keychain for Everyone, Anytime!

By CBB

from Bronx, NY

About Me Midrange Shopper

Pros

Attractive
Durable
Fun To Use
Great History Useful
Unique

Cons

None

Best Uses

Anytime
Good Size Fits Hand Well

Comments about Illegitimi Non Carborundum Keychain:

Holds all my keys and some other items easily. Really liked the screw part. Loosen, on goes everything in order you want. Easy to find in my bag, love weight of grind element, love reading it.
A winner!

11/2/2012

4.0

Neat idea

By TrudiCMT

from Bristow, VA

About Me Budget Shopper

Pros

Durable
Unique

Cons

Heavy

Best Uses

Comments about Illegitimi Non Carborundum Keychain:

I got this for my guy to use for his work keychain, but I'm saving if for Christmas to give it to him. It is thicker and heavier than I was expecting it to be, which might make it prohibitive to carrying it in a pocket. I was a little concerned about the screw-type clasp coming undone, but this one seems tighter than most.

Even if he is unable to use it as a keychain, he can remove the gear and keep it on his desk. I'm sure he'll appreciate the sentiment!

8/9/2012

5.0

Quality Product

By DRA

from Charleston, SC

About Me Midrange Shopper

Pros

Attractive
Durable
Unique

Cons

Best Uses

Comments about Illegitimi Non Carborundum Keychain:

Excellent product and fast shipping.

5/23/2012

4.0

Quirky and Unique

By Drop-kick-bella

from charleston SC

About Me Midrange Shopper

Pros

Durable
Quirky
Unique

Cons

Key ring is much smaller

Best Uses

Anytime
Great gift

Comments about Illegitimi Non Carborundum Keychain:

I bought this for my husband (who is extremely hard to buy for) and he loves it! He's never seen anything like it and it's funny.

The only problem with it is that the gear is so much larger than the key ring! But it works!!

2/28/2012

5.0

Great gift

By lakegirl19

from Lansing, MI

About Me Budget Shopper

Pros

Durable
Unique

Cons

Best Uses

Comments about Illegitimi Non Carborundum Keychain:

I bought this for a friend going through a rough time, and who also happens to love military history. He absolutely loved getting such a thoughtful gift and now uses it as a daily reminder to keep his head held high.

Displaying reviews 1-10

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