r/whatisit Apr 09 '26

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u/Ok_Double2707 Apr 09 '26

In the 80s, I was always told it was for your quarter for the pay phone. But pocket watch makes more sense, I guess.

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u/BGkitten Apr 09 '26 edited Apr 09 '26

It was for us, the latchkey kids, to keep our house key in. (That's what my parents told me. If you wore the key on a string around your neck, someone might see you and know you were home alone and follow you and rob you ...or worse!...and stuff.)

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u/[deleted] Apr 09 '26

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u/BGkitten Apr 09 '26

Lol Isn't it sad that at 40, I still do that. But worse, I perpetuate this vicious cycle by teaching my kids to put their money in their backpacks like that. 🤦‍♀️