BBQ Stands For “Barbecue”
The most literal meaning of BBQ is simply “barbecue.” Barbecue refers to a method of slow-cooking meat indirectly with low heat and smoke over several hours. This style of cooking originated in the Southern United States, dating back to colonial times. Barbecuing large cuts of meat or even entire animals was a way to feed large groups of people at picnics, church gatherings, and other community events.
The term barbecue eventually got shortened to “BBQ” as a shorthand nickname. So when someone says they are having a BBQ, they typically mean they are having an outdoor gathering with barbecued foods like ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken, sausages, etc. The abbreviation BBQ became widespread in the 1950s and 60s as backyard barbecuing grew in popularity across America.
BBQ Can Mean “Barbeque Grill”
In another common usage, BBQ refers specifically to a barbeque grill used for cooking. A BBQ grill is designed for barbecuing foods over direct high-heat as opposed to low and slow barbecue smoking.
There are several types of BBQ grills:
- Charcoal BBQ Grills – The traditional style grill fueled by charcoal briquettes allows you to control the heat level. Charcoal imparts a distinct smoky flavor.
- Gas BBQ Grills – Convenient and easy to control, gas grills use propane or natural gas to heat the cooking surface. Less smoke flavor than charcoal.
- Electric BBQ Grills – Electric barbeque grills plug into an outlet and heat up quickly at the push of a button. Best for indoor or balcony use.
So if someone asks “Can I borrow your BBQ this weekend?” they are looking to borrow your barbeque grill, not your barbecue food or cooking method.
BBQ Can Stand For “Barbeque Sauce”
BBQ sauce is the quintessential condiment for barbecued meats, adding zesty flavors like vinegar, tomatoes, spices, etc. So the BBQ abbreviation is sometimes used to mean “barbeque sauce” rather than the cooking method itself. There are 4 main regional styles of BBQ sauce in the United States:
- Kansas City BBQ Sauce – Tomato-based with molasses sweetness
- Texas BBQ Sauce – Tomato-based with spices and chili pepper heat
- Memphis BBQ Sauce – Tomato-free, centered on vinegar andspice
- Carolina BBQ Sauce – Mustard or vinegar-based without tomatoes
BBQ Can Mean “Big Beautiful/Bountiful Queen”
In LGBTQ+ slang, the abbreviation BBQ has been used to mean “Big Beautiful Queen” in reference to drag queens or transgender women. It highlights beauty, glamor, confidence, and a bold personality.
A variant of this is BBW meaning “Big Beautiful Woman”, referring positively to full-figured women. Both BBQ and BBW terminology aim to uplift marginalized groups and redefine conventional beauty standards.
Other Meanings:
- BBQ – The name of various restaurants or restaurant chains focused on barbecue cooking such as Dickey’s BBQ, Sonny’s BBQ, etc.
- BBQ – Slang for a party, gathering, or cookout where barbecued food is served. “We’re having a BBQ this Saturday.”
- BBQ – Verb meaning to grill food over an open flame. “I’m going to BBQ these burgers outside.”
- BBQ – Can refer to barbecue cooking devices like smokers, grills, pits, rotisseries, etc.
So in summary, the 3-letter abbreviation BBQ can mean barbecue food, the act of barbecuing, barbeque grills and equipment, barbeque sauce, or positive slang terms. The exact meaning depends on the context. But whenever you see BBQ, you can expect delicious smoked, grilled, sauce-slathered outdoor cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ
What are the most popular BBQ foods?
The most popular barbecued foods include:
- Beef brisket, ribs, and pulled beef
- Pork ribs, pulled pork, smoked sausage
- Chicken – whole chicken, wings, drumsticks
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Vegetable skewers like corn, onions, mushrooms
- Shrimp and fish like salmon or catfish
What are the main BBQ styles?
- Kansas City – Sweet, tomato-based sauces
- Texas – Beef brisket; spicy, tomato-based sauce
- Memphis – Pork ribs and shoulder; dry spice rubs
- Carolina – Pork with mustard or vinegar sauce
- Hawaiian – Kalua pig cooked in underground pit
What is the best BBQ wood?
The most popular woods for smoking BBQ are hickory, oak, mesquite, apple, pecan, and cherry. Each imparts slightly different flavor nuances.
What is the difference between grilling and barbecue?
Grilling uses high direct heat quickly over minutes. Barbecuing uses low indirect heat slowly over hours. Grilling tends to cook foods hotter and faster with less smoke flavor.
What should you not cook on a BBQ grill?
Delicate foods prone to drying out or burning like fish, shrimp, and chicken breasts. Grilling is best for meats that benefit from charring.
How do you prevent flare-ups on a BBQ grill?
- Trim excess fat from meats
- Cook at a lower temp
- Ensure drip tray is clean
- Avoid cooking sugary glazes/sauces too early
- Move coals to avoid hotspots
In closing, BBQ is a beloved cooking method for savoring smoked, tender, finger-licking cuisine. The abbreviation BBQ has come to represent quintessential outdoor dining and summertime gatherings with family and friends. From backyards to restaurants, barbecuing continues to be a cherished American tradition.
Conclusion
BBQ is one of those ubiquitous terms that can mean different things in different contexts. At its core, it refers to the cooking method of barbecuing – slowly cooking foods over indirect heat and wood smoke. But the abbreviation BBQ also encompasses the food itself, barbecue grills and equipment, regional barbecue styles, sauce types, restaurants, and even positive slang meanings.
Whether you prefer brisket in Texas, ribs in Memphis, or pulled pork in Carolina style, BBQ represents some of the most mouthwatering and flavorful cuisine. It brings people together in backyards and at festivals to savor the smoky essence of grilled meats paired with zesty sauces. So the next time you see BBQ, you’ll know it’s more than just a cooking abbreviation – it’s an entire culture around outdoor cooking!