chip basket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (rare compound noun)Informal
Quick answer
What does “chip basket” mean?
A basket or container designed for holding or serving potato chips (UK: crisps), nachos, or similar snack foods, often used at parties, picnics, or in casual dining settings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A basket or container designed for holding or serving potato chips (UK: crisps), nachos, or similar snack foods, often used at parties, picnics, or in casual dining settings.
Can metaphorically refer to a group, collection, or source of resources (especially funds or investments) being shared or distributed, e.g., "the company's development chip basket." Also used as a term in sports like basketball for a quick, easy scoring opportunity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'crisp basket' is a more common equivalent for the literal meaning, as 'chip' typically refers to thick-cut fried potatoes (e.g., fish and chips). In the US, 'chip basket' is understood as for potato chips or tortilla chips.
Connotations
UK: If used, may cause momentary confusion with a basket for (fried) chips. US: Clear association with casual snacks, parties, sports events.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects. More likely to be described periphrastically ("a basket for chips").
Grammar
How to Use “chip basket” in a Sentence
[Verb] the chip basket (with chips)a chip basket [Prepositional Phrase] (of chips)the chip basket [Verb] (stood)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potential metaphorical use in venture capital: "The fund is a chip basket for several AI startups."
Academic
Virtually non-existent.
Everyday
Used in domestic/party contexts: "Could you bring the chip basket to the table?"
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chip basket”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chip basket”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chip basket”
- Using 'chip basket' in formal writing.
- Assuming it's a common, fixed compound like 'bread basket'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency compound. People more often say 'a bowl for chips' or 'chip bowl'.
In the US, 'chip' clearly means potato/tortilla chip. In the UK, 'chip' first means a chunky fried potato, so 'crisp basket' is clearer.
No, it is exclusively a noun.
In basketball slang, it can refer to an easy, uncontested shot close to the basket, like a layup.
A basket or container designed for holding or serving potato chips (UK: crisps), nachos, or similar snack foods, often used at parties, picnics, or in casual dining settings.
Chip basket is usually informal in register.
Chip basket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪp ˌbɑː.skɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪp ˌbæs.kɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Sports] an easy chip basket (an uncontested layup)”
- “[Metaphorical] have all your chips in one basket (variation of 'all eggs in one basket')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a basketball net 'chipping in' a basket — but for snacks. A CHIP goes into a BASKET.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR RESOURCES (money, snacks, opportunities).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'chip basket' LEAST likely to be used?