In British English, French fries are commonly referred to as “chips.”
What do british call french fries?
In British English, French fries are commonly referred to as “chips.” This term can be attributed to the traditional British dish of fish and chips, which typically consists of deep-fried fish and thick-cut potato chips. The British usage of “chips” to describe what Americans call French fries can sometimes lead to confusion when ordering in restaurants or fast-food chains across the Atlantic.
Here are some interesting facts about the British term for French fries:
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Usage of the term “chips” dates back to the 19th century in Britain. It is believed to have originated from the practice of “chipping” potatoes into long, thick strips before frying them.
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The obsession with fish and chips in Britain can be traced back to the 19th century, and it remains a popular and iconic dish in the country today. The traditional way to enjoy fish and chips is by sprinkling salt and vinegar over the freshly fried chips.
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The British usage of “chips” for French fries is not limited to just fish and chip shops. The term is widely used in various contexts, including pubs, restaurants, and homes.
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The difference between British chips and American French fries lies not only in terminology but also in the style of preparation. British chips are typically thicker, chunkier, and often have a soft interior with a crispy exterior. On the other hand, American French fries tend to be thinner, crispier, and usually have a softer interior.
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British chips are sometimes served with other popular condiments like gravy, curry sauce, mushy peas, or mayonnaise. These additional sauces and toppings provide a diverse range of flavors to enjoy alongside the chips.
To summarize, the British refer to French fries as “chips,” a term deeply rooted in their culinary culture. Whether you’re ordering fish and chips or simply enjoying some deliciously crispy potatoes, understanding these language nuances will help you navigate the vibrant world of British cuisine.
As Mark Pilgrim once said, “Chips, properly speaking, are deep-fried and served with fish.”
Here is an example table showcasing the differences between British chips and American French fries:
| British Chips | American French Fries |
|---|---|
| Thicker, chunkier cut | Thinner cut |
| Soft interior with a crispy exterior | Crispy exterior with a softer interior |
| Often served with condiments like curry sauce | Typically served with ketchup or mayonnaise |
| Traditionally part of the popular fish and chips | Frequently found in fast-food chains and burgers |
| Consumed with vinegar and often sprinkled with salt | Often seasonings added like salt and seasoning salt |
Remember, with the linguistic twist that the British have put on French fries, ordering chips in the UK will bring you a hearty and uniquely British culinary experience!
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chipsFrench fries (US) are called "chips" in the UK, and "frites" in French-speaking countries.
See the answer to your question in this video
This video explores the differences in food terminology between British English and American English. It highlights that Brits refer to thin round slices of fried potato in packets as crisps, while Americans call them chips. It also explains that in the UK, french fries are called chips, thicker cut fries are also referred to as chips, and circular fried slices are called crisps in other countries. The video further points out that British English uses the term aubergine for eggplant, yam for sweet potato, courgette for zucchini, and marrow for mature courgette.
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Chips (UK) / French Fries (US)
Meanwhile, Brits call fat strips of potato that are (usually) deep fried and eaten with plenty of salt and vinegar “chips”. In the US these are “French Fries”, or often just “fries”.