By Larry Billinger
Have you ever found yourself in the candy aisle, eyeing those colorful bags of gummy bears, and wondering, “How do I even say this?” Well, you’re not alone! Let’s unwrap the mystery behind the pronunciation of the beloved candy company, Haribo.
The Name We Chew Over
Haribo, a confectionery giant known for its gummy candies, has a name that’s chewed over in pronunciation debates worldwide. While some confidently proclaim “HA-ri-bo,” others tentatively offer “ha-REE-bo.” So, which is it?
Around the World in Candy Names
In Germany, where Haribo was founded, the name is pronounced “HA-ri-bo,” with a rolling ‘R’ and a strong emphasis on the first syllable. Cross the Atlantic, and Americans might say “HAIR-ih-bo,” with a softer ‘R.’ Travel to the UK, and you’ll hear “HAR-i-bo,” again with emphasis on the first syllable but with a British twist.
A Sweet Legacy Older Than You Think
You might be surprised, as I was, to learn that Haribo isn’t just a passing trend. Founded in 1920 by Hans Riegel in Bonn, Germany, Haribo is a portmanteau of his name and hometown (HAns RIegel BOnn). That’s right, this company has been sweetening the world for over a century—well beyond the 44 years I’ve been around!
My Own Gummy Conundrum
I’ll confess, even as I pen this article, I am not quite sure on the company’s right pronunciation of Haribo doesn’t roll off my tongue. It was only about 15 years ago that I discovered the joy and the linguistic puzzle of Haribo.
The Verdict
So, how should you say it? Well, it seems the answer is as varied as the flavors of gummy bears in a Haribo pack. When in doubt, say it with confidence and enjoy the chewy goodness, regardless of the phonetics.
