Have you ever wondered how to pronounce Reese’s? This iconic candy brand has been a beloved treat for generations, but its pronunciation can be a bit tricky. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just curious about its history, this definitive guide will help you say Reese’s like a pro.
The correct pronunciation of Reese’s is “ree-sees,” with a long “e” sound in both syllables. It’s important to avoid pronouncing it as “ree-suhs” or “ree-siz,” which are common mispronunciations. The name “Reese’s” is derived from the surname of its creator, Harry Burnett Reese, who founded the H.B. Reese Candy Company in 1928. Reese chose the name “Reese’s” because it was easy to remember and pronounce, and it has remained the brand’s signature name ever since.
The Correct Pronunciation
Reese’s, the beloved brand of peanut butter cups, is pronounced “REE-sihz”. The “e” at the end of the name is silent, much like in the pronunciation of the word “Reese”. This pronunciation is consistent across all English-speaking regions and is widely recognized as the correct way to say the brand name.
Here is a breakdown of the pronunciation:
| Syllable | Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| 1st | REE |
| 2nd | -sihz |
To practice the pronunciation, try saying the following out loud:
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Reese’s Pieces
- Reese’s Puffs
With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to pronounce Reese’s like a native speaker!
Historical Origins
The origins of the iconic candy, Reese’s, can be traced back to Milton S. Hershey’s chocolate empire. In 1919, Hershey acquired the H.B. Reese Candy Company, which had been founded in 1917 by Harry Burnett Reese. Reese, a former dairy farmer, began experimenting with chocolate and peanut butter and created the first version of the Reese’s Cup.
Development of the Reese’s Cup
Reese initially sold his peanut butter cups under the name “Pennycups.” However, Hershey’s marketing team recognized the potential for a more memorable brand identity and changed the name to “Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups” in 1928. The candy quickly gained popularity due to its irresistible combination of smooth chocolate and creamy peanut butter.
Over the years, Reese’s has expanded its product line to include various flavors and formats, including Reese’s Pieces, Reese’s Sticks, and Reese’s Fast Breaks. However, the original Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup remains the company’s signature product and a beloved treat for chocolate and peanut butter enthusiasts worldwide.
Spelling Variations
The proper spelling of Reese’s is with an apostrophe after the letter “s.” This indicates that the product belongs to the Reese family, who created the candy in the 1920s. However, there are a few common variations on the spelling, including:
Reese’s
This is the most common and correct spelling, used by the Hershey Company, which owns the Reese’s brand.
Reeses
This spelling is often used in informal settings or when the apostrophe is not visible, such as on packaging or advertisements.
Reese’s Pieces
This is the specific name for the small peanut butter candy pieces that are often used as a topping or snack.
Other Variations
There are a few other variations on the spelling of Reese’s, but these are less common and generally not considered to be correct. These include:
| Variation | Reason for Incorrectness |
|---|---|
| Reeses | Missing apostrophe |
| Reeceses | Double apostrophe |
| Reeses’s | Double apostrophe |
Regional Differences
The pronunciation of “Reese’s” varies across different regions of the United States and other English-speaking countries.
1. Northeast
In the Northeast, the most common pronunciation is “REE-sees.” This pronunciation is also widely used in other parts of the country, but it is particularly prevalent in the Northeast.
2. Midwest
In the Midwest, the pronunciation “RAY-sees” is more common. This pronunciation is also used in some parts of the South.
3. South
In the South, the pronunciation “REE-sees” is most common in the eastern part of the region, while the pronunciation “RAY-sees” is more common in the western part.
4. West Coast
On the West Coast, the pronunciation “REE-sees” is more common in Northern California and Oregon, while the pronunciation “RAY-sees” is more common in Southern California and the rest of the West Coast.
The following table provides a summary of the regional differences in the pronunciation of “Reese’s”:
| Region | Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| Northeast | REE-sees |
| Midwest | RAY-sees |
| South | REE-sees (eastern), RAY-sees (western) |
| West Coast | REE-sees (northern), RAY-sees (southern) |
Phonetic Transcription
The phonetic transcription of “Reese’s” in English is /ˈriːsɪz/. Here’s a breakdown of the individual sounds:
1. /ˈr/
A voiced alveolar consonant, as in “run.”
2. /iː/
A long, high front vowel, as in “eat.”
3. /s/
A voiceless alveolar sibilant, as in “sin.”
4. /ɪ/
A short, high central vowel, as in “sit.”
5. /z/
A voiced alveolar sibilant, as in “zenith.” The pronunciation of the final “s” as /z/ instead of /s/ is a common feature of American English, especially in casual speech.
Syllable Structure
The word “Reese’s” has two syllables:
| Syllable | Onset | Nucleus | Coda |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | /r/ | /iː/ | /s/ |
| 2nd | Ø | /ɪ/ | /z/ |
The onset of the first syllable consists of the alveolar consonant /r/, while the nucleus is the long vowel /iː/. The coda is the voiceless alveolar sibilant /s/. The second syllable is open, with the high central vowel /ɪ/ as its nucleus and the voiced alveolar sibilant /z/ as its coda.
Common Mispronunciations
Reese’s is a popular candy brand known for its delicious peanut butter cups. However, the name Reese’s is often mispronounced. Here are some common mispronunciations:
Reece’s
This is the most common mispronunciation of Reese’s. People often pronounce the “s” at the end of the name, making it sound like “Reece.” However, the correct pronunciation does not include an “s” sound.
Rheece’s
Another common mispronunciation of Reese’s is “Rheece.” This pronunciation is similar to the correct pronunciation, but it emphasizes the “r” sound in the name.
Reeses
This mispronunciation involves dropping the apostrophe in the name. As a result, the name is pronounced as “Reeses” instead of “Reese’s.”
Reece’s Pee-cups
This mispronunciation is a combination of the first two mispronunciations. It involves pronouncing the name as “Reece” and adding an extra “pee” sound to the end.
Reeses Pieces
This mispronunciation is based on another popular candy brand from Reese’s, Reese’s Pieces. People often mistakenly refer to Reese’s peanut butter cups as Reese’s Pieces.
Reese’s Pieces Cups
This mispronunciation combines the names of two different candy brands, Reese’s and Reese’s Pieces. It involves pronouncing the name as “Reese’s Pieces Cups” instead of “Reese’s peanut butter cups.”
Importance of Accuracy
When pronouncing “Reese’s,” accuracy is crucial to convey the correct pronunciation and avoid confusion. Failing to do so can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings.
7. Pronunciation Guide
To ensure accurate pronunciation, follow these guidelines:
a. Syllable Division
Separate the word into two syllables: “Ree-sez.”
b. Vowel Sound
The first syllable’s vowel is pronounced like the long “e” in “feet.” The second syllable’s vowel is pronounced like the short “e” in “set.”
c. Consonant Sounds
The “s” in “Reese’s” is pronounced with a soft “z” sound, as in “zoo.”
d. Stress
The emphasis is placed on the first syllable, so pronounce it as “REE-sez.”
e. Avoid Common Mistakes
- Do not pronounce the “s” like a hard “s,” as in “sin.”
- Do not add an extra syllable, such as “Ree-zeez.”
- Do not pronounce it with a short “i” sound, as in “ris.”
| Correct Pronunciation | Incorrect Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| REE-sez | Ree-sis |
| z sound | s sound |
| Emphasis on first syllable | Emphasis on second syllable |
In Popular Culture
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups have been featured in numerous TV shows, movies, and commercials. Some notable examples include:
The Simpsons
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are among Bart Simpson’s favorite foods. They are often seen in episodes of the show, and Bart has even been known to use them as a defense against bullies.
Friends
In the “The One with the Football” episode of Friends, Joey Tribbiani tries to impress Rachel Green by offering her a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. However, Rachel declines, saying that she is allergic to peanuts.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
In the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, E.T. is introduced to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups by Elliott. E.T. quickly becomes obsessed with the candy and helps himself to several cups throughout the film.
The Big Bang Theory
In the “The Panty Piñata Polarization” episode of The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon Cooper uses Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to lure a mouse into a trap.
Stranger Things
In the “Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers” episode of Stranger Things, Mike Wheeler uses a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup to bribe Dustin Henderson into helping him search for Will.
Table of Notable Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Appearances in Popular Culture:
| Show/Movie | Character |
|---|---|
| The Simpsons | Bart Simpson |
| Friends | Joey Tribbiani |
| E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial | E.T. |
| The Big Bang Theory | Sheldon Cooper |
| Stranger Things | Mike Wheeler |
The Pronunciation of “Reese’s”
The correct English pronunciation of “Reese’s” is “REE-sees.” The double “E” in the middle is silent, and the final “S” is pronounced with a slight hissing sound.
Impact on Brand Recognition
The unique pronunciation of “Reese’s” has played a significant role in its brand recognition.
- Memorable and Identifiable: The distinctive pronunciation creates a strong mental image and makes the brand easily recognizable.
- Creates a Sense of Exclusivity: The uncommon pronunciation suggests a premium product, setting Reese’s apart from competitors.
- Engenders a Sense of Nostalgia: The nostalgic sound of the pronunciation evokes childhood memories and feelings of familiarity.
The Power of the Double “E”
The silent double “E” in “Reese’s” is a crucial element of its pronunciation and brand recognition. This spelling convention:
- Differentiates from “REES”: The double “E” distinguishes Reese’s from the common surname “Rees,” preventing confusion.
- Creates a Unique Rhyme Scheme: The silent “E” creates a rhyme scheme with the preceding “R,” making the pronunciation more melodic and memorable.
- Facilitates Brand Marketing: The double “E” provides a visual cue for marketing campaigns, creating a consistent and recognizable brand image.
| Pronunciation | REE-sees |
| Phonetic Spelling | /ri:si:z/ |
| IPA Transcription | [riːsiːz] |
Sound Symbolism
Sound symbolism refers to the phenomenon where specific phonemes or sound combinations evoke certain meanings or associations. In the case of “Reese’s,” the name contains several phonemes that contribute to its resonant and distinctive sound:
- /r/: The rolling “r” sound adds a sense of richness and opulence to the name.
- /s/: The sibilant “s” creates a velvety smoothness that complements the “r.”
- /i:/: The long “i” vowel adds a touch of sweetness and allure.
- /z/: The final “z” is a subtle buzz that reinforces the velvety texture of the name.
These phonemes work together to create a name that is both evocative and memorable, suggesting the indulgent taste and texture of the candy.
Phoneme Breakdown
The phonemic breakdown of “Reese’s” is as follows:
| Phoneme | Sound |
|---|---|
| /r/ | Rolling “r” |
| /i:/ | Long “i” vowel |
| /s/ | Sibilant “s” |
| /z/ | Buzzing “z” |
How To Say Reese’s
Reese’s is a popular brand of peanut butter cups and other candy products. The name is pronounced “REE-sees”, with a long “E” sound. The pronunciation is derived from the name of the company’s founder, H.B. Reese.
History of the Pronunciation
The pronunciation of Reese’s has been a matter of debate for many years. Some people argue that it should be pronounced “REEZ-ees”, with a short “E” sound, while others maintain that the correct pronunciation is “REE-sees”. The company itself has never officially stated how the name should be pronounced, but the vast majority of people pronounce it “REE-sees”.
Variations in Pronunciation
There are a few variations in the pronunciation of Reese’s. Some people pronounce it with a slight drawl, saying “REE-suhs”. Others pronounce the “E” sound more broadly, saying “RAY-sees”. Ultimately, the correct pronunciation is a matter of personal preference.
People Also Ask About How To Say Reese’s
How many calories are in a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup?
A single Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup contains approximately 110 calories.
Is Reese’s peanut butter vegan?
No, Reese’s peanut butter is not vegan. It contains milk solids, which are a dairy product.
Who invented Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were invented by H.B. Reese in 1928.
