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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

Fries and chips are not the same thing

chips on a plate with ketchup
For the love of the great British chip … Photograph: CJ Hutchinson/Alamy

Ben Yagoda’s piece (The other British invasion: how UK lingo conquered the US, 26 September) is a clever bit of writing, but he’s wrong on one point. US “fries” are not the same as “chips” on this side of the pond, bless your heart. The former are the crisp skinny-yet-skinless sticks familiar from fast food joints; they may also feature sweet potato in place of the run-of-the-mill tuber. Our glorious chips, the way we love them with battered cod, are significantly thicker-cut beauties, fluffy on the inside and proudly skin-on.

And, while we’re at it, let’s not forget that french fries are also thicker than the delicate continental pommes frites that will accompany a steak saignant or à point at your favourite bistro on the other side of the Channel.
Michał B Paradowski
Cambridge

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