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"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

Exclusive Made in the USA
Made from
pewter
Measurements
3" L, Pendant: 1.375" dia.; weight: 1 oz.
Item ID
18017

Still haven't found the details you're looking for? Check out our Product Q&A!

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:
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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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Illegitimi Non Carborundum Keychain
 
4.5

(based on 90 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (54)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (31)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

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)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Midrange shopper (18), Casual dresser (15), Practical (15), Budget shopper (13), Classic dresser (9)
    • Comfort vs Style:
    • Comfort driven (23), Style driven (5)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • Yes (42), No (12)
    • Who was the recipient of this product?:
    • Other (4)

Reviewed by 90 customers

Displaying reviews 1-10

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4/1/2014
 
4.0

Great gift for myself and a friend!

Profile Image

By 

from NY, NY

About Me Midrange Shopper

Verified Reviewer

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!

    • Was this a gift?:
    • Yes
    • Who was the recipient of this product?:
    • Other

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Was this review helpful? Yes / No

     - You may also flag this review

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    5/15/2013
     
    5.0

    Unique and thoughtful gift

    By 

    from Gulf Coast, MS

    Verified Buyer

    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.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • Yes
      • Who was the recipient of this product?:
      • Other
      • For what occasion did you purchase this product?:
      • Birthday

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Comment on this reviewHelp Icon

      1/8/2013
       
      5.0

      Vent with class

      By 

      from Lincoln,ne

      About Me Midrange Shopper

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Attractive
      • Unique

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Anytime

        Comments about Illegitimi Non Carborundum Keychain:

        Is unique and humorous

        • Was this a gift?:
        • Yes
        • Who was the recipient of this product?:
        • Other
        • For what occasion did you purchase this product?:
        • Christmas or Hanukkah

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        Was this review helpful? Yes / No

         - You may also flag this review

        Comment on this reviewHelp Icon

        1/3/2013
         
        5.0

        Keep it light when driving!

        By 

        from Cheyenne, WY

        About Me Midrange Shopper

        Verified Buyer

        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

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No
          • Who was the recipient of this product?:
          • Self
          • For what occasion did you purchase this product?:
          • Other

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          Was this review helpful? Yes / No

           - You may also flag this review

          Comment on this reviewHelp Icon

          12/6/2012
           
          5.0

          Smart witty!

          By 

          from Michigan

          About Me High-end Shopper

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Unique

          Cons

            Best Uses

              Comments about Illegitimi Non Carborundum Keychain:

              This really helped a friend get through a rough spot!

              • Was this a gift?:
              • Yes
              • Who was the recipient of this product?:
              • Other
              • For what occasion did you purchase this product?:
              • Other

              Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

              Merchant response:Did you the phrase "Illegitimi non carborundum" originated during World War II, and was later adopted by US Army general "Vinegar" Joe Stillwell as his war-time motto? We’re so happy this uplifting keychain helped your friend during tough times, and if he wants to find out more Uncommon Knowledge about this piece, he should check out the product page!

              Was this review helpful? Yes / No

               - You may also flag this review

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              12/4/2012
               
              5.0

              The Keychain for Everyone, Anytime!

              By 

              from Bronx, NY

              About Me Midrange Shopper

              Verified Buyer

              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!

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No
              • Who was the recipient of this product?:
              • Self
              • For what occasion did you purchase this product?:
              • Birthday

              Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

              Was this review helpful? Yes / No

               - You may also flag this review

              Comment on this reviewHelp Icon

              11/2/2012
               
              4.0

              Neat idea

              By 

              from Bristow, VA

              About Me Budget Shopper

              Verified Buyer

              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!

                • Was this a gift?:
                • Yes
                • Who was the recipient of this product?:
                • Husband
                • For what occasion did you purchase this product?:
                • Christmas or Hanukkah

                Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

                Was this review helpful? Yes / No

                 - You may also flag this review

                Comment on this reviewHelp Icon

                8/9/2012
                 
                5.0

                Quality Product

                By 

                from Charleston, SC

                About Me Midrange Shopper

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Attractive
                • Durable
                • Unique

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                    Comments about Illegitimi Non Carborundum Keychain:

                    Excellent product and fast shipping.

                    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

                    Was this review helpful? Yes / No

                     - You may also flag this review

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                    5/23/2012
                     
                    4.0

                    Quirky and Unique

                    Profile Image

                    By 

                    from charleston SC

                    About Me Midrange Shopper

                    Verified Buyer

                    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!!

                    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

                    Was this review helpful? Yes / No

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                    2/28/2012
                     
                    5.0

                    Great gift

                    By 

                    from Lansing, MI

                    About Me Budget Shopper

                    Verified Buyer

                    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.

                        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

                        Was this review helpful? Yes / No

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                        Displaying reviews 1-10

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