Attention, Californians:

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum, Allium tuberosum) are not scallions (Allium fistulosum, Allium cepa), and scallions are not shallots (Allium oschaninii).

They are generally acceptable substitutes for each other, but they are NOT each other. Each has a distinct flavor and aroma, not to mention look.

When your menu lists chives but your dish includes scallions, you’re making a culinary faux pas. Anyone who cooks anything using these ingredients (or has ever made/eaten a few varieties of kim chee) can tell the difference - so being smug about your cheapishness is probably not a good tactic.

While we’re at it, scallions and shallots are vegetables, chives are an herb.