薯条 doesn't carry deep historical or philosophical weight like terms such as 关系 (guānxi). Instead, its significance lies in what it represents in modern China: globalization and the adoption of Western culture. Before the 1980s, French fries were virtually unknown to the average Chinese person. With China's “Reform and Opening Up” policy, Western brands began to enter the market. The arrival of KFC in 1987 and McDonald's in 1990 were landmark events. For many Chinese people, especially those growing up in the 90s and 2000s, eating 薯条 and hamburgers was a novel, modern, and even aspirational experience. In contrast to traditional Chinese snacks, which might include things like steamed buns (包子 bāozi) or fried dough sticks (油条 yóutiáo), 薯条 is distinctly foreign. It's almost never served as part of a traditional Chinese meal. Its place is firmly within the context of 快餐 (kuàicān - fast food) or Western-style restaurants. It's often seen as a treat, a snack, or a food for children, representing a break from the norms of everyday Chinese cuisine.
薯条 is a high-frequency word in urban China, used exactly as “fries” or “chips” (UK) would be in English.