Job Discussion Forums

[JZer]

If you are in McDonald's in England do you call them French Fries or chips. I am specifically referring only to the product you buy in McDonald's. I know they are called chips everywhere else.

Thanks for your replies in advance.

[fluffyhamster]

I haven't been in a McD's in the UK in a while, but I'm certain that I ask for fries or French fries rather than chips (as per the menu, I'm almost as sure) - if I wanted chips, I'd be off down the chippy instead!

[soapdodger]

I thought Americans called them Cheese-eating Surrender Monkey Sticks these days........

[johnslat]

Dear soapdodger,
WHAT! Would Americans use nine syllables when they could use only one (i.e. fries)?
NEVER - well, maybe Ann Coulter and her ilk would.
Regards,
John
P.S. And think on it - would Americans "Cheese-eating Surrender Monkey kiss" their significant others?

[soapdodger]

Yep, I agree John, but your point does raise the teething question of why you don't just say chips like the rest of us.The French aren't even that into pommes frites anyway, that's the Belgians. Belgian Fries could be the way forward, eh. But not Belgian kissing......

[lozwich]

I always think of french fries as being skinny, while chips are more satisfyingly thick.. Isn't that the distinction in British English?

[SueH]

[johnslat]

Dear soapdodger,
Well, there's also the fact that in the States, "chips" are associated more with potato chips, as in "chips and dip."
Regards,
John

[Stephen Jones]

In the UK chips are a fashion accessory you wear on your shoulder.

[soapdodger]

So what's in choc-chip ice cream?????

[JZer]

[laconic]

And the answer key is correct given the definitions provided in the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary for "chip":

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=13180&dict=CALD

[jpvanderwerf2001]

[JZer]

[christinasvg]

[quote="jpvanderwerf2001"]