French fries, chips & Co?

Question

Could you please explain me what is the difference between French fries and chips (usually in the “chips& fish”) and also how is called the salty snack from potatoes… for Americans and Englishmen it’s not the same word, isn’t it?

Answer 1

I think the Americans began to call chips French fries because they used the word "chips" to describe crisps, i.e. deep fried thin rounds of potato. The name does not come from the fact that their origin is French, but because the potatoes are "frenched"-cut into strips lengthwise (a thing which the French are known for). Where "chips" is the common term, "French fries" usually refers to the thin variant (U.S. 'shoe string potatoes'). In Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and some areas of the United Kingdom, "chips" can mean either crisps, or French fried potatoes which are also called "hot chips" or (in South Africa) "slap chips" literally "soft chips").

Answer 2

French fried potatos and chips are the same thing, but in different places.

The salty snack is called chips in America, but crisps in the rest of the world

Answer 3

Where 'chips' is the common term, 'French fries' usually refers to the thin variant (U.S. 'shoe string potatoes'). In North America 'chips' generally means potato chips (called 'crisps' in the UK), which are deep-fried very thin slices of potato. In Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and some areas of the United Kingdom, 'chips' can mean either potato chips, or French fried potatoes which are also called 'hot chips' or (in South Africa) 'slap chips'

Answer 4

'French Fries' as they are called in the USA are known as 'chips' in English, they may also be called 'hot chips'. 'Crisps' and even 'chips' is used to describe the salted etc ones bought in packets.

Answer 5

same thing different meaning in different countries