What do you call the chip shop?

Question

"She's no stranger to the chip shop," is a well-known British saying when referring to ladies who don't look good in lycra. But although chip shops are everywhere in Britain they haven't always been called chip shops.

They were once called fish bars in England or potato taverns (tafarn tatws) in Wales. Many chips shops still go under the name fish bar.

But how do you refer to a chip shop in casual speech. The options reflect the common terms.

MrOracle · Accepted Answer

The closest thing in the US would be a "Fish & Chips" shop, though American largely have no idea that this comes from England and that "chips" refer to French fries. We just know that we get fries with the fish.

Anyway, fish & chips shops peaked in the 1970s and mostly disappeared in the 80s. There's still an occasional mom & pop place, usually near seaside fishing towns, but in most cities and suburbs, they really don't exist anymore. Perhaps they are more common in the Northeast, where fishing is still a big part of local life, but having traveled quite a bit from the Midwest and South to the west coast (essentially the western 3/4 of the continental US), they are pretty rare anymore.

They were largely replaced with trendy "healthy"/"fancy" chains. Places that serve kale and avocados and wheat grass smoothies.

My guess is that decent fish is too expensive for "fast food" anymore, and they can't as easily fake it with fillers like they do with beef.

Lliam · Accepted Answer

So in the UK, chips are what Americans call French fries.
I can't imagine a place that specialized in selling French fries. You can buy fries at any burger joint or restaurant. They are a side dish, not a popular snack by themselves.

Chippie is a slang word for a promiscuous woman or prostitute.

In America, there are places that sell "fish and chips" (battered, deep fried fish, usually cod, with French fries. Yup, the name of those places is based on the British term.
But that is the only time French fries are called "chips".

Amy10223 · Accepted Answer

California? Microchip companies. If you're taking about potato chips... they're sold anywhere! J/K! I know what chips are in the UK. We don't have them here, unless you mean restaurants who sell them, like "Arthur Treacher's Fish and Chips", in Garwood, New Jersey. I have never had them in Ohio but there are two locations.

Crimsyjo · Accepted Answer

Chippy or chip shop always for me. And I'm British.

James The Foodie · Accepted Answer

In casual speech, many people in the UK simply refer to a chip shop as a "chippy". It's a much-loved spot for a quick and satisfying meal, where I’ve often indulged in classic fish and chips wrapped in paper—a nostalgic treat. From Seaside resorts to bustling towns, the allure of a chippy never fades. 🍟🍤

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

Tater tavern rings right to my ear.
I don’t think i have ever come across that particular type of specialty shop though.
We could go with Spud Spot!
If it’s a food truck, Mobile Muff or Flying Fish. Ell oh ell!
If there’s beers, Potato Pub.
While that kind of shop is not common enough that i’ve stumbled upon one, there is a common tradition for fry joints to do Fish Fry Fridays. Which usually consists of fried fish and taters. Not really my cup o’ tea, but i’ve seen it pretty much everywhere.

MrChinaski · Answer

I literally laughed until I cried. Does The Fishy have an eat-in option?

mstbooblover · Answer

A "chip shop" in Belgium is called "frietkot" or "friterie"

RavVid · Answer

We would the fish and chip shop. Very soon that will fade from memory because the humble fish and chip shops has to do souvalakis

exitseven · Answer

I have a local place called the Lobster Hut.

AngryCarl2 · Answer

Ah, the Great British Chippy. Like the Great British Local a vanishing institution, sadly.

NathanDavis · Answer

"she's no stranger to the birria tacos"

HighValue · Answer

I misread it as "chip shot" and thought it was something about soccer. :P

CubaPirate · Answer

Fish shop, but also by its specific name because theyre loads of em by me in West Yorks

beefcakebradybatson · Answer

Never heard of the chip shop. I call places where overweight women abound fatbroadistans !!!

Sunrising · Answer

I call the chip shop a Casino.

queenofcardio · Answer

Never heard of this phrase 🤔

Nikki1989 · Answer

The fish and chip shop or chippy.

Xawyx-2 · Answer

The chip shop, what else...

Siajanua2027 · Answer

I would call them fish and chips shops

WhitneySnow · Answer

The chippy

Anonymous · Answer

The chipper

What do you call the chip shop?

Most Helpful Opinions

AI Opinion

What Girls & Guys Said

What do you call the chip shop?

Most Helpful Opinions

AI Opinion

What Girls & Guys Said

We're glad to see you liked this post.