Popcorn brand ‘Born In Long Island’ slammed: ‘Bond villains live IN islands’

The Great Preposition Debate: Long Islanders Up in Arms Over Popcorn Brand Blunder

Long Islanders are in an uproar over a new popcorn brand that has committed what many consider a glaring grammatical sin. The brand in question, "Born In Long Island" Popcorn, has sparked heated debates across the region for its improper use of a preposition. To natives of Long Island, the phrase "born in Long Island" is nothing short of a linguistic faux pas. As any true Long Islander knows, the correct preposition to use when referencing the island is "on" rather than "in." This seemingly small mistake has turned the brand into an easy target for criticism since its launch in December.

The Grammar Rules That Rule Long Island

At the heart of this controversy is a deeply ingrained grammatical rule that Long Islanders hold dear. When referring to an island, the preposition "on" is the only acceptable choice. For example, one might say, "I live on Long Island," but never "I live in Long Island." This rule applies not just to residency but to any reference to the island itself. As one Reddit user famously declared, "You can be from, for, on, near, by, nearby, close to, far from, away from, and adjacent to Long Island. But you can NEVER be in Long Island! Capeesh?!" The user’s passionate rant reflects the strong feelings many locals have about this issue.

Why the Preposition Matters

The outrage over the popcorn brand’s name goes beyond mere pedantry. For many Long Islanders, the misuse of "in" instead of "on" feels like a disconnection from the island’s culture and identity. One Reddit user humorously pointed out, "People live on islands—Bond villains live in islands." This quip highlights the idea that using "in" instead of "on" somehow implies a level of isolation or confinement that doesn’t align with the island’s vibrant, connected community. For a brand seeking to appeal to local pride, this mistake is akin to using a fork and knife to eat a slice of pizza—a cardinal sin in its own right.

A Clever Marketing Strategy or a Costly Mistake?

Despite the backlash, some have speculated that the brand’s name was an intentional marketing move. "How to make sure your target market never buys your product," one Reddit user sarcastically declared, suggesting that the name was a deliberate attempt to stir up controversy. Another user opined, "It was a marketing strategy, and it was intentional. People started ranting on social media, bringing out the pitchforks. Meanwhile, now everyone wants popcorn." Whether or not the brand intended to provoke such a reaction, there’s no denying that the controversy has generated significant buzz.

The Popcorn Behind the Controversy

For all the fuss over its name, "Born In Long Island" Popcorn is actually a product of Viviwoods, Inc., a Westbury-based company that specializes in organic, gluten-free foods. The popcorn itself is priced between $5.99 and $8.99 for a five-ounce bag, making it a premium snack option. While some have criticized the brand for its name, others have defended it, arguing that the product’s quality and price point are more important than its grammatical misstep. Viviwoods filed to trademark the name in May of last year but has not responded to requests for comment regarding the backlash.

The Bigger Picture: When Grammar Meets Brand Identity

The furor over "Born In Long Island" Popcorn raises interesting questions about the role of language in brand identity. While some argue that the brand’s name is a harmless mistake, others see it as a sign of disrespect for local culture and grammar. This debate highlights the challenges brands face when trying to connect with a specific audience—especially one as passionate and prideful as Long Islanders. Whether the brand’s name was a clever marketing ploy or an honest error, one thing is clear: grammar matters, and so does cultural sensitivity. For now, the popcorn remains a topic of conversation, both for its taste and its title.