Grimace is a what? McDonald's manager's interview leaves the internet even more confused

We might have an answer to one of life's burning questions: What exactly is McDonald's character Grimace?

Canadian news outlet CBC interviewed Brian Bates, dubbed the "Outstanding Manager of the Year" for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic by the fast-food chain.

During the interview, Bates offered some tips and tricks for saving money at McDonald's before sharing that the beloved purple blob hanging with Ronald McDonald and Mayor McCheese all these years is a taste bud.

"He is an enormous taste bud, but a taste bud nonetheless," Bates told CBC.

USA TODAY was unable to reach a McDonald's representative to confirm whether Grimace is, in fact, a taste bud.

This is not the first time the taste bud theory has been mentioned. In 2012, McDonald's corporate account on Twitter noted Grimace "is the embodiment of a milkshake, though others still insist he's a taste bud."

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Naturally, most people are surprised at the revelation Grimace might be a walking taste bud. "33 years old and i just found out that Grimace is actually an enormous taste bud," wrote Twitter user Arianne de Jesus.

Wendi Hays and Seth Austin also took to Twitter to share their reactions. 

Hays questioned the concept, "not buying it." Austin joked about the irony of the name of the food chain's mascot.

"Grimace is a taste bud but his name is Grimace?!"

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.