tortilla chip: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, Everyday
Quick answer
What does “tortilla chip” mean?
A small, thin piece of crisp fried or baked corn tortilla, typically served as a snack or appetizer, often with dips.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, thin piece of crisp fried or baked corn tortilla, typically served as a snack or appetizer, often with dips.
A popular snack food item central to Tex-Mex and Mexican-American cuisine, often commercially produced and widely available as a processed food.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the food is less ubiquitous and may be considered a 'speciality' or 'party' snack. In the US, especially in the Southwest, it is a staple snack. The term 'tortilla chips' is used in both varieties, but the product is more culturally embedded in the US.
Connotations
In the US, strongly associated with casual dining, sports events, parties, and Mexican/Tex-Mex restaurants. In the UK, often connotes a specific type of 'crisp' (potato chip) or a dip accompaniment, sometimes seen as an 'American' snack.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English due to cultural prevalence. In British English, it is a known term but less commonly used in daily conversation unless discussing specific foods.
Grammar
How to Use “tortilla chip” in a Sentence
[eat/have] + tortilla chips + [with dip][serve/offer] + tortilla chips + [as a starter][dip/break] + a tortilla chip + [into salsa]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of food manufacturing, retail (snack aisle), or restaurant supply.
Academic
Might appear in cultural studies, anthropology, or food science papers discussing snack food globalization.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation about snacks, party planning, or ordering at a Mexican restaurant.
Technical
Used in food technology for specifications on frying time, corn masa composition, or shelf-life testing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tortilla chip”
- Using 'tortilla chip' as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'I ate some tortilla chip'). Correct: 'I ate some tortilla chips.'
- Spelling error: 'tortila chip' or 'tortiya chip'.
- Confusing it with a 'taco shell' or a 'soft tortilla'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Tortilla chips are the plain, fried pieces of tortilla. 'Nachos' specifically refers to tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and often other toppings like jalapeños, meat, or beans.
Yes, easily. Cut corn tortillas into wedges, brush with oil, and bake or fry until crisp. Season with salt.
It is a compound noun, written as two words: 'tortilla chip'. The plural is 'tortilla chips'.
The main difference is the base ingredient. Tortilla chips are made from corn (maize) masa, giving them a distinct corn flavour and often a sturdier texture for dipping. Potato chips are made from thinly sliced potatoes.
A small, thin piece of crisp fried or baked corn tortilla, typically served as a snack or appetizer, often with dips.
Tortilla chip is usually informal, everyday in register.
Tortilla chip: in British English it is pronounced /tɔːˌtiː.ə ˈtʃɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /tɔːrˈtiː.ə ˌtʃɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'tortilla' (the flatbread) and 'chip' (like a potato chip). It's a chip made from a tortilla.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FRAGMENT/ PIECE OF CULTURE (e.g., 'Tortilla chips are a fragment of Mexican cuisine adapted for global snacking.')
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'tortilla chip' most commonly made from?