What does "BBQ" mean to you?

[TentHunteR]

After reading  Ericd3043's topic on What is considered "true" Southern BBQ? it got me to thinking about just how regionalized "BBQ" really is, and how the term "BBQ" means different things to different folks.

Growing up here in NE Ohio, the word "BBQ" always conjured up thoughts of a backyard or church cookout with friends & family having a good time, where almost any meat cooked on a grill/smoker was fair game; ribs (beef, pork or even country-style), pork chops, chicken, Brats, and  yes...  even burgers!  There was lots of corn on the cob, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and my favorite; Mom's homemade macaroni salad - YUM!!!


Yes, even up here in NE Ohio we have our idea of what BBQ means, and I grew up loving it!


So what does BBQ mean to you?

[RG]

Here in Georgia BBQ means a type of food. Not the act of cooking it. We call a grill just that, a grill. We don't call it a BBQ. We don't call a gathering to eat food cooked on a grill a BBQ either. It's called grilling out or cooking out. So, you might be invited to a cook out but never a BBQ. In the South, as I said already, BBQ is a type of food and usually that means a chopped or pulled pork sandwich. Over the years it has come to encompass Ribs, Chicken, Brisket, etc....if it's cooked on a smoker, low and slow, it is BBQ.

[smokeasaurus]

BBQ to me is cooking a pc of meat in complete darkness while it is bathed in moist smokey heat for many hours..........

The Smoke has never BBQ'd a burger or a steak 

[teesquare]

See top of page......

BBQ…neither verb or noun…it is an experience…& best when shared with friends.
 


 

[BAM1]

BBQ to me is cooking a pc of meat in complete darkness while it is bathed in moist smokey heat for many hours..........

The Smoke has never BBQ'd a burger or a steak 

AMEN BROTHER

[Savannahsmoker]

Here in Georgia BBQ means a type of food. Not the act of cooking it. We call a grill just that, a grill. We don't call it a BBQ. We don't call a gathering to eat food cooked on a grill a BBQ either. It's called grilling out or cooking out. So, you might be invited to a cook out but never a BBQ. In the South, as I said already, BBQ is a type of food and usually that means a chopped or pulled pork sandwich. Over the years it has come to encompass Ribs, Chicken, Brisket, etc....if it's cooked on a smoker, low and slow, it is BBQ.

+1 You sumed it up for me.

[Smokin Don]

The closest thing I had growing up was sloppy joes! I never had what I call BBQ, any king of meat cooked on whatever outdoors, until after I was married and started cooking out. BBQ, grilled or just cooked outdoors, all tastes good!!! Don

[Tailgating is my game]

The closest thing I had growing up was sloppy joes! I never had what I call BBQ, any king of meat cooked on whatever outdoors, until after I was married and started cooking out. BBQ, grilled or just cooked outdoors, all tastes good!!! Don

X 2

[HighOnSmoke]

Here in Georgia BBQ means a type of food. Not the act of cooking it. We call a grill just that, a grill. We don't call it a BBQ. We don't call a gathering to eat food cooked on a grill a BBQ either. It's called grilling out or cooking out. So, you might be invited to a cook out but never a BBQ. In the South, as I said already, BBQ is a type of food and usually that means a chopped or pulled pork sandwich. Over the years it has come to encompass Ribs, Chicken, Brisket, etc....if it's cooked on a smoker, low and slow, it is BBQ.

+1 You sumed it up for me.

+2 You summed it up for this Georgian too!

[tomcrete1]

Interesting,  What's great is how we all have different experiences and thoughts, that's what it should be.  To me it doesn't matter what it's called " BBQ, Grilling or Cook Out".  it's about the process itself that brings Family and Friends together and breaks down barriers to make new friends.  this thing we do is more powerful than we relalize sometimes.  Just the word itself " BBQ, Grilling or Cooking Out" brings a smile and good thoughts to almost everyone.

Just Saying 

[KyNola]

I don't post a lot on this Forum but I couldn't resist this.  In Kentucky where hickory is King, BBQ is defined as slow smoking *insert a meat but it had best be pork* over hickory at a low heat.  If you're cooking burgers, hot dogs, chickens, anything at a higher temperature you're not BBQing.  You're grilling.  Low temp=BBQ.  Higher temp=Grilling.

Don't get me started on the crap you all are buying called Moonshine.  

[nylic76]

Here in NC, BBQ is a noun, not a verb.

[Pam Gould]

BBQ to me is smokin...I have cooked over an open fire for over 30 years with all kinds of wood. moving to charcoal for a while. But I like it all.  just sayin.    .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ.

[Hub]

We all have our defining favorite "cue" and mine is and forever will be ribs.  But defining barbeque just can't be done.  I wrote this four years ago and I wouldn't change a word of it today:

http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=428.0

Hub

[Big Dawg]

True words, Hub, true words.





BD