I'm not much into reading forwarded e-mails in mailing lists but this one caught my eye if only for the promise of reading another corporate brand bashing or something like that. I've already read a lot on this subject on the PEx message board and there were a lot of funny and outrageous speculations. Hehehe...

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Matagal na rin ako curious kung sino ba talaga si Grimace :) and hey, it gives 'good' insights as to the nature and origin of McDonald's Grimace:

Who is grimace supposed to be? You know, that McDo Purple Blob character. Anyway share ko lang yung findings ko:

McDonald's own web site gives a brief insight into Grimace. They state, "Grimace is a big, loving, fuzzy purple fellow who is Ronald McDonald's best friend. He's sure Ronald is the world's ultimate authority on everything. While Grimace loves all McDonald's foods, he's absolutely crazy about milkshakes. Grimace is very enthusiastic and eager to try new things. His joyous spirit helps everyone overlook the fact he's a little slow and clumsy sometimes."

This definition is obviously of no help. Grimace used to be this kontrabida with six arms who stole milkshakes. One website commented, "between Hamburglar (who stole burgers), the Fry guys (who stole fries), and Grimace, crime was running rampant in the 'McHood. Maybe these characters weren't exactly great role models for children? Or perhaps Ronald was hogging all the food from the others, forcing them into a Dickensian life of crime? Who can say..." But the most interesting theories on Grimace came from a Filipino:

1. Grimace is an ube mascot. Mc Donald's must've had ube-flavored ice creams or shakes before.

2. He is the bastard child of Tinky Winky of the Teletubbies (who's also rumored to be gay) and an eggplant.

3. Grimace is violet Crayon left to melt under the sun by kids eating at McDonald's playgrounds.

4. Grimace must have been a grape-flavored drink. Maybe the drink was really sour and it made people grimace. That's why he's called Grimace!

5. He's the ugliest McDonald's mascot. That's why they covered him up with another costume - a purple one that's so heavy he can't even take it off himself!

6. Grimace is all the McDonald's food items thrown and mixed in a blender.

7. Grimace is a milkshake.

8. McDonald's wanted to introduce kamote French Fries when they first came to the Philippines. That's why they created Grimace. He's a kamote.

9. He's the twin brother of Ronald McDonald. Originally they looked alike but Grimace, who is
mentally retarded, was a disgrace to the family and to the name. That's why they made him wear the purple costume.

10. Here's one of the best theories so far: Grimace, who, along with other Mc Donald's characters like Officer Big Mac, Mayor McCheese, and Hamburglar, were introduced in the 70s, represents the Blueberry milkshakes, launched in the US in the 70s. He was actually called Evil Grimace at first since he always liked to steal other people's milkshakes. He came from an island full of fun and milkshake-loving other purple Grimace-types. Neat, huh?

What's the official word from McDonald's? Well, some guy called up the J.P. Rizal, Makati branch of McDonald's and asked the girl who answered the phone what Grimace is. Her answer? "He's a potato." Uh okay, whatever you say ma'am.

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Seriously though I read somewhere that McDonad's official stand on what Grimace is supposed to be was that he/she/it represented the tastebud (so without confirming anything this sorta ties up the vague press release of the Big Mac Corporation). I dunno just how official this confirmation of its identity is.