The correct spelling of the word "mess a halves" is actually "Mise en place." This term comes from French cuisine and refers to preparing all the ingredients and equipment necessary for a dish before beginning to cook. It is pronounced /mi zɑ̃ ˈplas/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the second syllable. While the spelling may be confusing, learning the correct pronunciation and meaning of the term can be helpful in the kitchen.