British vlogger Patrick Foote of Name Explain delved into the fascinating history behind the naming discrepancies of chips and fries between the United Kingdom and the United States.

He begins by highlighting that the British refer to chips as the cooked things you have with a burger or fish, while the thinner ones that come in a packet are called crisps. However, in the USA and other parts of the world, chips are known as fries or even french fries.

Foote traces the origins of fries to Belgium, where they were called frites, meaning fried. Interestingly, the term French fries reportedly emerged when American soldiers stationed in Belgium during the First World War encountered these fried potatoes and fell in love with them. They brought the concept back to the USA and adapted the name “frites” into “fries.” The reason they specifically called them French fries was because the region of Belgium they came from predominantly spoke French.

On the other hand, the US version of chips has a unique history of its own. It all began when a customer at a restaurant complained that his fries were too thick. In response, the chef decided to slice the potatoes extremely thin, resulting in what is now known as the Saratoga chip. This thin and crispy potato preparation served as the precursor to the modern-day potato chips we enjoy today.

The popular story surrounding the origin of potato chips revolves around Chef George Speck, also known as George Crum, who created the Saratoga chips. It is believed that after receiving the complaint about thick fries, Crum sliced the potatoes super thin and dubbed them Saratoga chips.

The term “chips” was used once again because they resembled little chippings of a potato. However, in Britain, these thin and crispy potato slices couldn’t be called chips as the term had already been assigned to the thicker version that accompanies fish. Therefore, a new name had to be devised, and eventually, the term “crisps” was chosen. This distinction allowed the British to differentiate between the two types of potato preparations.

The popularity of chips and crisps ultimately spread to the UK, captivating the British taste buds just as it had in the USA. However, due to the existing usage of the term “chips” for the thicker variety, a separate name was necessary for the thinly sliced and fried potatoes. Thus, the term “crisps” was coined, solidifying its place in British culinary vocabulary.

This intriguing historical journey sheds light on the cultural and linguistic nuances between the United Kingdom and the United States, highlighting how language evolves and adapts to different regions and contexts. The story behind the naming of chips and fries not only provides insights into culinary traditions but also reveals the impact of cultural exchanges during times of war and migration.