A milkshake gave Grimace his original four-armed design in McDonald’s advertising.
Grimace first appeared as a large, purple, four-armed character associated with stealing or representing milkshakes. The extra arms were part of the early concept, allowing the character to hold several drinks and making his connection with milkshakes visually obvious.
McDonald’s later simplified Grimace’s design. He became a softer, friendlier purple character with two arms and a less specific personality, shifting from a milkshake-focused figure into one of the most recognizable members of McDonaldland.
The character’s later appearance can make the original concept difficult to remember. Grimace is not primarily a French-fry character, and his name does not describe a menu item. His early advertising identity was built around milkshakes and the four-armed design.