Definition of the word paint chip

The term "paint chip" originally referred to the small, square-shaped samples of painted surfaces that paint manufacturers used as promotional materials to showcase the different colors and finishes in their product lines. These samples, usually about 1 inch by 1 inch in size, were cut out from finished surfaces, such as walls or automobiles, and distributed to customers as a way to help them select the right color for their projects. The term "paint chip" has since come to be more broadly associated with the flakes or scrapings of paint that can peel off of surfaces, revealing the color and texture beneath, often in unexpected ways that can inspire new colors and ideas.