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Quick tips: barbecue, barbeque, barbie, or BBQ?

Zach McLaughlin

It’s the middle of summer and it’s time for a barbecue! Or is it a barbeque? A barbie? Or just a BBQ? How do you actually say (or spell) this word in English? The short answer is that they’re all correct!


Barbecue” is considered to be the standard, traditional spelling and is generally preferred in formal writing and academic contexts.


Barbeque” is also totally acceptable and is often seen in informal settings and restaurant names. (This is also the spelling that I generally use, though this is just personal preference.)


BBQ” is a common abbreviation and is widely used in casual settings.


And, if you happen to visit Australia, you might even hear “barbie” used as a casual short form (not to be confused with the doll “Barbie”!).

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The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

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