TikTokers Are Hilariously Pretending To Get Poisoned And Possessed By McDonald’s New Grimace Shake

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In celebration of Grimace’s birthday, McDonald’s recently released the “Grimace Birthday Shake” to celebrate the event.

A grape/purple-flavored drink (here’s where that reference comes from in case it went over your head/you’re too young to remember that Dave Chappelle used to do comedy that wasn’t based on current event) that is “inspired by Grimace’s iconic color and sweetness,” the Grimace Birthday Shake has been going viral on social media for all the wrong reasons.

Specifically, people on TikTok have been hilariously pretending to be poisoned, possessed, and have other heinous things happen to them after drinking the violet-colored concoction. Luckily, instead of having to scroll through countless TikTok videos, someone has made a compilation of them and posted it on Twitter.

Originally introduced in 1971, Grimace actually started as an antagonist named “Evil Grimace” who was portrayed as a four-armed purple monster who would steal beverages and shakes from customers. A year later, however, the character was reintroduced with a friendly name, Grimace, and fewer arms (a standard set of two).

As for what exactly Grimace is, a 2014 tweet from the official McDonald’s account said “Grimace lore says he is the embodiment of a milkshake or a taste bud.” That assessment was then followed up in 2021 when a Candian franchise owner stated that Grimace is a taste bud.

“Grimace is from Grimace Island and comes from a huge family (including his Grandma Winky, aunts Millie and Tillie and his Uncle O’Grimacey!),” McDonald’s told Today in an official statement.

Despite the creation of the Grimace shake, the character hasn’t been used all that much by McDonald’s marketing efforts in recent years, as he’s only been seen in Malaysian Happy Meal toys, dancing at Dodger Stadium in 2012, at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2020 (which can be seen in the photo used for this article), a cryptocurrency parody tweet by McDonald’s in 2022, and a 2022 Super Bowl commercial in which he was voiced by Ryan Reynolds.

As for where you can get one if you want one, the Grimace’s Birthday Special Meal & Shake is available at participating McDonald’s locations while supplies last.