The term denotes a processed food item composed primarily of fish, shaped into a small, elongated form reminiscent of a stick. These items are often breaded or battered before being cooked, typically through frying or baking. A common example is the commercially produced, frozen variety often served to children.
Its widespread consumption stems from several factors, including affordability, ease of preparation, and palatability, particularly for younger consumers. Historically, its creation was driven by a desire to utilize fish byproducts and to provide a readily accessible source of protein in convenient form. Its prolonged shelf life, due to the frozen state, also contributes to its popularity.
