Few candies are as universally loved as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Whether you’re grabbing one at the checkout or stocking up for Halloween, Reese’s is a favorite for people across the globe. However, as simple as it may seem, there’s a hot debate among candy lovers: How do you pronounce Reese’s?
Do you say “Rees-iss,” or do you pronounce it “Rees-eez”? This seemingly small question has sparked countless conversations, friendly arguments, and even internet memes. Let’s dive into the origins of this debate, what the brand’s history tells us, and why people feel so strongly about how to pronounce Reese’s.
The Origins of Reese’s
To understand the debate, it’s helpful to first look at the brand’s history. The beloved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup was created by Harry Burnett Reese (H.B. Reese) in 1928. Reese had been working for Milton S. Hershey of The Hershey Company before starting his own candy venture. His peanut butter and chocolate combo became wildly popular, and in 1963, The Hershey Company purchased Reese’s company.
Since then, Reese’s has become one of the most iconic and successful candy brands in the world, with an entire line of spin-offs like Reese’s Pieces, Reese’s Sticks, and seasonal favorites like Reese’s Easter Eggs.
However, as the brand grew in popularity, so did a split in how people pronounce its name.
“Rees-iss” vs. “Rees-eez” – The Pronunciation Problem
The pronunciation debate revolves around how people say the possessive form of “Reese.” The brand is named after H.B. Reese, whose last name is pronounced “Rees.” Naturally, some believe the possessive form, “Reese’s,” should follow standard English grammar rules, where “’s” sounds like “iss.” Thus, they say it as “Rees-iss.”
On the other hand, others pronounce it “Rees-eez.” This pronunciation has been popularized in part by Reese’s Pieces, the candy-coated peanut butter treats that rhyme with “Rees-eez.” Over time, commercials, slogans, and brand messaging also reinforced this pronunciation, making it common in everyday conversation.
The “Rees-iss” Argument
Many people argue that the “correct” way to pronounce Reese’s is “Rees-iss” because it reflects the possessive form of H.B. Reese’s name. Following grammatical conventions in English, possessives are typically pronounced this way. For example, you would say “Chris’s” or “James’s” in a similar context.
If you’re sticking strictly to grammar, “Rees-iss” seems like the logical and historically accurate choice. It’s the version that honors the man behind the creation of the candy, H.B. Reese himself.
The “Rees-eez” Argument
Despite the grammatical rules, “Rees-eez” has become the more widely accepted pronunciation, especially among younger generations and casual candy fans. A significant factor in this version’s popularity is branding, particularly the slogan “There’s no wrong way to eat a Reese’s.” The rhyme between “Rees-eez” and the slogan made it catchy and easy to remember, further cementing this pronunciation in the minds of consumers.
The success of Reese’s Pieces also plays a major role. Since “pieces” rhymes with “Rees-eez,” people who grew up hearing about Reese’s Pieces in commercials or movies—like the iconic appearance in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial—are more likely to use this pronunciation.
What Does Reese’s Officially Say?
For years, the debate has raged on, with candy lovers across the country taking sides. So, what does the brand itself have to say about the pronunciation?
According to The Hershey Company, the proper pronunciation is “Rees-iss,” as it reflects the possessive form of H.B. Reese’s name. However, the company has rarely made this a central point in its messaging, perhaps knowing that the debate actually helps fuel more engagement with the brand.
By not stepping in too firmly, Hershey allows both pronunciations to persist in popular culture, ensuring that Reese’s remains a topic of conversation. After all, whether you say “Rees-iss” or “Rees-eez,” you’re still thinking about their delicious peanut butter cups.
Why the Debate Persists
The Reese’s pronunciation debate isn’t just about grammar or advertising—it’s also about culture. Different regions, communities, and families grow accustomed to their preferred way of saying the brand’s name, and people tend to stick with what feels familiar.
This debate also speaks to how branding and marketing can shape everyday language. Reese’s advertising has played a huge role in how people say the name, and even though the “correct” pronunciation is “Rees-iss,” marketing has made “Rees-eez” more common in some circles. It’s a fascinating example of how consumer culture can influence language.
Regional Pronunciation Differences
Pronunciation of Reese’s can vary based on geography. In certain parts of the United States, particularly in the Northeast, people are more likely to say “Rees-iss.” This may be because the Northeast has a long-standing association with the Hershey Company, which is based in Pennsylvania.
On the other hand, in areas like the Midwest and South, “Rees-eez” tends to be more popular. This could be due to differences in regional dialects, as well as how marketing has been perceived in those areas over time.
Internationally, the pronunciation may vary even more, depending on local accents and interpretations of English sounds. While the Reese’s debate is mostly an American phenomenon, the candy’s global reach means the question of pronunciation extends far beyond U.S. borders.
The Internet’s Role in Fueling the Debate
Like many debates in the modern era, the Reese’s pronunciation discussion has taken on a new life on social media platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and TikTok. People share videos, memes, and humorous arguments about which way is the “correct” way to say the brand’s name. Some posts even spark viral conversations as users passionately defend their stance.
Memes and internet culture have amplified the Reese’s debate, making it a lighthearted and ongoing part of candy discussions. Whether it’s a simple tweet or a funny TikTok video, the conversation has found new energy online, ensuring that the debate will continue for years to come.
Conclusion
While Hershey may officially say the correct pronunciation is “Rees-iss,” both versions have become so widely accepted that it’s hard to declare a definitive winner. Whether you say “Rees-iss” or “Rees-eez,” the most important thing is that you enjoy the candy itself. The debate has taken on a life of its own, and at the end of the day, it’s a fun conversation rather than a serious disagreement.
So, the next time you reach for a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, feel free to pronounce it however you like—there really is no wrong way to eat (or say) a Reese’s!
