Have you ever confidently asked for directions to the nearest “Mary-ott”, only to realize you’ve been saying it wrong all along? You’re not alone. Recently, David Marriott, chairman of the board at Marriott International, set the record straight by revealing that the hotel giant’s name is actually pronounced closer to “Marry-ette” (with the emphasis up front) and not the commonly mispronounced “Mary-ott”. The reason behind this revelation is a charming one, involving a former teacher and a student who couldn’t quite get the pronunciation right.
Marriott shared this fun anecdote during a Marriott Bonvoy member event, shedding light on the story behind the correction. His wife, a former teacher, once had a student named Elliott who consistently mispronounced her name as “Mrs. Marriott” with the incorrect “ott” ending. After a gentle correction, she emphasized the importance of getting names right, using Elliott’s own name as an example. This simple but endearing story illustrates the significance of correct pronunciation, even in something as seemingly trivial as a surname.
Despite the correction, Marriott reassured attendees that he’s not bothered by those who continue to say “Mary-ott”, stating that he’ll respond to either pronunciation. The internet had mixed reactions to this revelation, with some struggling to adjust to the new pronunciation and others choosing to stick to the old way. Even Marriott Bonvoy joined in on the fun, assuring fans that there were no hard feelings about the confusion.
Marriott’s sister offered a useful trick for those still struggling with the pronunciation – when in doubt, rhyme it out. Think of words like “chariot” or “carry it” to help guide you towards the correct pronunciation. This small adjustment may seem insignificant, but once you know the correct pronunciation, it’s surprisingly hard to ignore.
Will everyone start saying “Marry-ette” now? Maybe not, but this unique insight into the correct pronunciation of the Marriott name adds a charming touch to an everyday occurrence. The next time you find yourself saying “Mary-ott”, remember the story behind the correction and consider giving “Marry-ette” a try. It’s a small change that could make a big difference in how you perceive the iconic Marriott brand.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.