Gaol is still used in Britain. It’s an interchangeable spelling for “Jail,” pronounced the same way. “Marshmelon” is most likely a Southern American regionalism that has started to enter the general vocabulary (like using short-e “the” where long-e “the” should be used).

There is no such thing as a “marsh melon;” the name of the candy derives from the original source of the gelatin-like agent used in confection, the marsh mallow shrub. Mallow twigs are sold in many herbalists / health food stores as a kind of tea which is very effective at soothing sore throats.

The actual modern confection doesn’t use mallow in it anymore, it’s sugar, cornstarch and gelatin, and depending who makes it or what brand it’s sold under, may or may not have a powdery coating of icing sugar.

And now you know!

English is a very fluid language. Words change throughout the years.
For the same reason we don’t say “gaol” for “jail” anymore, “marshmallow” evolved into “marshmallon.”

Or perhaps Spock’s English vocabulary teacher on Vulcan wasn’t very good. Note that McCoy catches it and says ” ‘Marshmallons,’ eh?” with a snarky little smirk on his face.

Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|

I have “melons,” not “mellons.”

“Hmmmm, still fixated on Nimoy shooting you in the nude, eh?”

No, sweetpea; that’s you with the nude-photog fixation. };-)

Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|

Marshmellons?

Mellons? Hmmmm, still fixated on Nimoy shooting you in the nude, eh? :)

Pass the marshmellons, please.

Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|

Based on that perception, I think Kirk was ready to roast their ass!! :)