Dips

Dips is a term with multiple meanings. In culinary use, a dip is a sauce or spread that is thick enough to be scooped or dipped into by chips, vegetables, bread, or crackers. Dips come in countless varieties, from dairy- or mayonnaise-based classics to bean, yogurt, and vegetable blends. They are commonly served as appetizers at parties or gatherings.

Common culinary dips include salsa, guacamole, hummus, spinach-artichoke, queso, and tzatziki. Dips can be served hot or cold, and may be prepared with fresh ingredients or processed bases. Health considerations include a range of fat and sodium levels; lighter versions use yogurt or cottage cheese, reduced-fat options, or vegetable-based bases to increase fiber.

In fitness, a dip is a bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the chest and triceps. The classic version uses parallel bars: the body is supported by the arms, the elbows bend to about 90 degrees, and then the arms straighten to raise the body. Proper form reduces risk of shoulder strain; beginners may use a bench or rings, or add resistance gradually. Variations include bench dips, ring dips, and weighted dips, each with their own technique cues and progression. Safety considerations include avoiding excessive depth if the shoulders are unstable or if pain occurs in the elbows or wrists.

Dips can also refer to brief declines in financial markets, but in everyday use the term most often relates to the food or exercise meanings described above.