fish and chips: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, neutral
Quick answer
What does “fish and chips” mean?
A hot dish consisting of fried fish in batter served with deep-fried potato chips (French fries).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hot dish consisting of fried fish in batter served with deep-fried potato chips (French fries).
A quintessential British takeaway meal, often considered a national dish; also a symbol of British culture and comfort food.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, it is a common, iconic takeaway meal, often from a 'chippy'. In the US, it is understood but is a less common menu item, often found in pubs or as a 'British-style' dish. The 'chips' are called 'French fries' in American English when not part of this specific phrase.
Connotations
UK: Nostalgia, tradition, working-class heritage, Friday night treat. US: British-themed, pub food, a somewhat exotic item.
Frequency
Very high frequency in UK English; moderate to low in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “fish and chips” in a Sentence
Let's have [fish and chips].He bought [fish and chips].[Fish and chips] is my favourite.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fish and chips” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're going to fish and chip it tonight.
- They fish-and-chipped their way around the coast.
American English
- Let's fish-and-chip for dinner at the British pub.
adjective
British English
- It had a real fish-and-chips vibe.
- A fish-and-chips supper.
American English
- He ordered the fish-and-chips platter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in hospitality/tourism marketing ('authentic fish and chips').
Academic
Rare, except in cultural or sociological studies of British identity.
Everyday
Very common in UK contexts for discussing meals, plans, or takeaway food.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fish and chips”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fish and chips”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fish and chips”
- Using singular verb ('Fish and chips are...') is common but the phrase is often treated as singular ('Fish and chips is...').
- Calling it 'fish with chips' sounds non-native.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually treated as a singular, uncountable noun phrase referring to the meal (e.g., 'Fish and chips is delicious').
Traditionally cod or haddock, though other white fish like plaice or pollock are also used.
It is a British colloquial term for a fish and chip shop.
Yes, in the UK, malt vinegar and salt are classic condiments sprinkled on fish and chips.
A hot dish consisting of fried fish in batter served with deep-fried potato chips (French fries).
Fish and chips is usually informal, neutral in register.
Fish and chips: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɪʃ ən ˈtʃɪps/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɪʃ ən ˈtʃɪps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As British as fish and chips (a quintessential British thing).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound: 'Fish 'n' Chips' – the 'n' connects the two iconic, crispy components of this classic dish.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMFORT IS WARM, FRIED FOOD (A source of nostalgic, simple pleasure).
Practice
Quiz
In American English, what are the 'chips' in 'fish and chips' typically called?