BBQ: meaning, definitions and examples

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BBQ

[ ˌbɑːr.bɪˈkjuː ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

food

BBQ, short for barbecue, refers to a method of cooking meat slowly over low heat, typically in an outdoor setting. The meat is often marinated or seasoned with a special sauce or dry rub before being cooked. BBQ can also refer to the social gathering or event where this style of cooking is featured.

Synonyms

barbecue, grilling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
BBQ	Identical to the first 'BBQ' entry as it is the same abbreviation and has the same usage. Can't wait for the BBQ on Friday! Who's bringing the burgers to the BBQ?
barbecue	The full form is used in both formal and informal contexts. Suitable for written descriptions, recipes, or when discussing the cooking method itself. We're setting up a barbecue for the family reunion. His specialty is slow-cooked barbecue ribs.
grilling	Used when referring specifically to the cooking method rather than the event. It generally refers to cooking food over direct heat on a grill, and can be used in both casual and instructional contexts. I'm grilling some vegetables for dinner. She loves grilling steaks on the weekend.

Word

Description / Examples

BBQ

Identical to the first 'BBQ' entry as it is the same abbreviation and has the same usage.

Can't wait for the BBQ on Friday!
Who's bringing the burgers to the BBQ?

barbecue

The full form is used in both formal and informal contexts. Suitable for written descriptions, recipes, or when discussing the cooking method itself.

We're setting up a barbecue for the family reunion.
His specialty is slow-cooked barbecue ribs.

grilling

Used when referring specifically to the cooking method rather than the event. It generally refers to cooking food over direct heat on a grill, and can be used in both casual and instructional contexts.

I'm grilling some vegetables for dinner.
She loves grilling steaks on the weekend.

Examples of usage

Let's have a BBQ this weekend!
I love the smell of BBQ in the air.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

abbreviation

BBQ can also stand for 'Burning Brightly Quickly' in some contexts, usually used in online conversations or social media.

Examples of usage

I saw the acronym BBQ used in that online forum.

Translations

Translations of the word "BBQ" in other languages:

🇵🇹 churrasco

🇮🇳 बारबेक्यू

🇩🇪 Grill

🇮🇩 barbekyu

🇺🇦 барбекю

🇵🇱 grill

🇯🇵 バーベキュー

🇫🇷 barbecue

🇪🇸 barbacoa

🇹🇷 barbekü

🇰🇷 바비큐

🇸🇦 مشاوي

🇨🇿 grilování

🇸🇰 grilovanie

🇨🇳 烧烤 (shāokǎo)

🇸🇮 žar

🇮🇸 grill

🇰🇿 барбекю

🇬🇪 ბარბექიუ

🇦🇿 barbekü

🇲🇽 barbacoa

Etymology

The term BBQ originated in the Caribbean, where indigenous people used a wooden structure called a barbacoa to slow-cook meat over an open fire. Spanish explorers brought this cooking method back to Europe, where it evolved into the barbecue we know today. The word 'barbecue' itself is thought to have come from the Taíno word 'barbacoa'. Over time, BBQ has become a popular cooking method and social activity in many cultures around the world.