Chocolate lovers are having an aha moment as they come to terms with the fact that they have been mispronouncing M&M’s all along. As Halloween draws near, and people gear up for a night of spooky costumes and sugary treats, it seems that one of the most beloved chocolate brands has been getting its fair share of mispronunciations. QuillBot, a team that focuses on language and pronunciation, has compiled a list of popular chocolate bars and sweets in anticipation of Halloween, with a particular focus on setting the record straight on how to correctly say their names.
Among the treats likely to grace Halloween goody bags are the iconic M&M’s. These small, round chocolates come in various flavours like caramel, peanut, and classic chocolate, making them a household favourite. Despite their widespread popularity, many people stumble over the pronunciation of the brand name. While some say “em-en-ems,” the correct way to say it is actually “em-and-ems,” putting emphasis on the “and” in the middle. A parent amusingly shared how their child innocently referred to M&M’s as “MMMs,” highlighting the adorable confusion that can arise from the brand name.
In a lighthearted exchange on the Australian podcast Not My Cup of Tea, hosts engaged in a playful debate over the pronunciation of M&M’s. The discussion revealed differing opinions on whether it should be pronounced as “em and ems” or “em ‘n’ em.” The origins of the name M&M’s date back to the 1940s, stemming from the surnames of chocolate pioneers Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie – the M and M in M&M’s.
As chocolate enthusiasts come to grips with the correct pronunciation of M&M’s, it serves as a reminder that even the most familiar brands can hold surprises. So, next time you reach for a pack of M&M’s, remember to give credit to both the “em” and the “and” in the name, and savour the delicious chocolate treats without the pronunciation mishaps.