Church key (was: Set-ups (was "Boilermakers"))

[Arnold Zwicky]

more on lack of regionality: i grew up with it in eastern
pennsylvania, and it was to be heard throughout the ivy league and
seven sisters schools in the 50s and 60s.  and in the big 10
schools in the 60s.

the first contexts i heard it in were definitely working class.
but it was also *the* term in upper-middle-class collegiate
circles back then.

surely, the term has become unfamiliar because the object has.

arnold (zwicky at csli.stanford.edu)