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07/20/09(Mon)14:34 No. 23203781 When
American fast food chains (McDonalds, KFC) were introduced in Britain
their menu said 'fries' and what they served were the thinly cut types
that are classic in such establishments. Before then in Britain
traditionally chips were thick-cut as they were either made at home
after being cut up by knives, or in Fish and Chip shops ,who also
served thick-cut chips. Most restaurants (actual restaurants with
waiter and stuff) would also serve thick-cut chips, simply because that
is what was typical. The difference between the normal thick-cut
and thinner styles being as significant as it was led to people
differentiating between the two, which has now led to thick-cut chips
being called 'Chips' and thin-cut chips largely being called 'Fries'
(giving the full title 'French fries' is uncommon). It's worth noting that 'Fries' may be referred to as chips, but the thick-cut style are never referred to as fries. I hope this is both acurate and clears things up for the Americans.