The term "church key" can refer to a couple of different concepts, both with roots in colloquial slang.
Bottle Opener: The most common meaning of "church key" is a type of bottle opener, specifically the flat, metal kind used to open bottle caps. The origin of the term is somewhat obscure, but it’s likely a humorous reference to the resemblance between the handle of this simple tool and the ornate key that might open a church door, paired with the fact that both serve to unlock something. In this context, "to church key someone" could mean to open a bottle for someone, or to provide them with a drink.
Practical Joke: In some circles, "to church key someone" may also refer to a practical joke where one opens a can or bottle at an inappropriate or surprising moment, often leading to a mess or unexpected outcome. This could involve surprising someone by shaking up a can of soda or beer before handing it to them, causing it to explode when opened.
- Physical Action: It may also refer to the act of "church keying" someone in a more physical way—essentially poking or jabbing them with the pointed end of the opener as a lighthearted or joking gesture, though this interpretation is not as common.
Overall, the exact meaning can depend significantly on the context in which it’s used. If you’re looking for the specific connotation or use case, it might be helpful to clarify the situation.