Crisps, also known as potato chips in the United States and Canada, are a popular snack food enjoyed around the world. They are made by slicing potatoes thinly, frying them in oil, and seasoning them with various flavors.
But have you ever wondered why they are called crisps? In this article, we will explore the history behind the name and how it became a part of our vocabulary.
The term “crisps” is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom in the 1920s. Prior to this, the snack was known as “potato chips” or simply “chips”. However, the term “chips” was also used to refer to the thicker cut fries that are commonly served with fish and chips, causing confusion for consumers.
In order to differentiate between the two types of chips, the snack was given a new name – “crisps”. The name was chosen because it accurately describes the texture of the snack. When properly made, crisps have a crispy, crunchy texture that makes them satisfying to eat.
History Of Crisps
The history of crisps is a long and winding one. The first crisps were probably made by accident, when someone accidentally fried a potato slice too thin. The result was a crispy potato slice that was delicious.
Crisps quickly became popular, and soon people were making them on purpose. The first crisps were made from potatoes, but other vegetables, like carrots and parsnips, were also used.
Crisps were originally made by hand, but in the late 1800s, machines were invented to make them faster and more efficiently. This led to a boom in the production of crisps, and they became a popular snack food all over the world.
Origin Of The Word Crisps
The word “crisp” itself comes from the Old English word “crispan”, which means to curl. This refers to the way the potato slices curl up when fried, creating a distinctive shape and texture. The word has been used in English since the 14th century to describe things that are brittle or easily broken, such as dry leaves or thin pieces of metal.
Alternative Origin Story
The word “crisp” comes from the Old English word “cryspe,” which means “to be made crisp.” Crisps are, after all, made by frying potatoes until they are crispy.
Crisps Is A UK Phrase
As the popularity of crisps grew in the UK, the term began to be used more widely. It eventually became the standard term for the snack in the country, and has since spread to other parts of the world.
Interestingly, the term “potato chips” is still used in some countries, including the United States and Canada. This may be due to the fact that the snack was first invented in these countries, and the name has simply stuck.
In conclusion, the term “crisps” was invented in the United Kingdom in the 1920s to differentiate between thin-sliced fried potatoes and thicker-cut fries. The name accurately describes the texture of the snack, which is crispy and crunchy. The word “crisp” has been used in English for centuries to describe things that are brittle or easily broken, and was a natural choice for the snack. Although the term is not used universally, it has become the standard term for the snack in the UK and other parts of the world.
