Barbecue Meaning and Definition
Barbecue
Pronunciation
/bɑːrˈbɛki/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A method of cooking food, typically outdoors, by exposing it to the heat from an open flame or coals, often using a grill or pit, resulting in a caramelized crust on the outside and a cooked interior.
Examples
- We’ll have a barbecue on the weekend to celebrate my birthday.
- Shrimp and steak are popular choices for barbecue.
Synonyms
- Grilling
- Roasting
Antonyms
- Boiling
- Baking
Etymology
The word “barbecue” originated from the Tupi language, spoken in Brazil and parts of South America, meaning “to cook on a wooden platform” or “to roast on a spit”. The word was adopted by Spanish and Portuguese colonizers and spread to other parts of the world.
Additional Information
Barbecuing is a popular culinary technique that involves low and slow cooking, which allows for the development of complex flavors and tender texture. Different types of barbecue may include various cooking methods, such as direct heat, indirect heat, or smoking, and can involve various cuts of meat, vegetables, and other ingredients.
Usage Notes
In the United States, barbecue is often used to refer specifically to outdoor cooking, while in the United Kingdom, the term is more loosely used to describe any type of slow-cooked food.
Cultural References
Barbecue has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and music videos, often symbolic of summertime, outdoor gatherings, and social bonding.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Baptizing the burgers” (meaning to grill or cook burgers)
- “Low and slow” (meaning to cook food at a low temperature for an extended period)
Related Words or Phrases
- Grilling
- Roasting
- Pit
Collocations
- Barbecue and ribs
- Barbecue and hamburgers
Frequency of Use
Barbecue is a popular term in modern language, with widespread use in culinary, social, and cultural contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Bariquee
- Barecue
- Barbecu