Have you ever noticed that some people write barbeque while others write barbecue? And then everyone gets confused about which one is actually correct.
If you came here with the same question, don’t worry—you’re not alone. We’ve all had this doubt at some point, especially when it comes to food, recipes, or planning a BBQ party. So, let’s clear this up today in a simple, friendly way.
Barbeque or Barbecue – Quick Answer
The correct spelling is “barbecue.”
- Barbecue → Standard spelling in both American and British English.
- Barbeque → A common misspelling, but sometimes used in informal contexts (signs, social media, brand names).
✅ Example:
- Correct: “We’re hosting a barbecue this weekend.”
- Incorrect: “We’re hosting a barbeque this weekend.”
The Origin of Barbeque or Barbecue
The word “barbecue” comes from the Spanish word barbacoa, which itself originated from the Taíno people of the Caribbean. Barbacoa referred to a wooden frame used to cook meat over an open fire.
When the word entered English in the 17th century, it evolved into “barbecue.” The “barbeque” spelling appeared later as a phonetic simplification but was never considered standard.
British English vs American English Spelling
Unlike words such as “color/colour” or “organize/organise,” “barbecue” is spelled the same in both British and American English. The confusion arises because people often shorten the word to “BBQ,” and some assume it should expand to “barbeque.”
Comparison Table
| Spelling | Usage | Accepted in Dictionaries? | Notes |
| Barbecue | ✅ Standard (US, UK, global) | Yes | Correct form everywhere |
| Barbeque | ❌ Informal / misspelling | Rarely | Seen in ads, menus, or casual signs |
| BBQ | ✅ Informal abbreviation | Yes | Common in marketing, social media |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- In the US: Use barbecue.
- In the UK & Commonwealth (Australia, Canada, etc.): Also use barbecue.
- In global or professional contexts: Always use barbecue.
👉 “Barbeque” may appear in restaurant names or branding, but for writing, reports, emails, or publications, stick with barbecue.
Common Mistakes with Barbeque or Barbecue
- Writing “barbeque” instead of “barbecue.”
- Expanding BBQ incorrectly as “barbeque.”
- Using inconsistent spelling within the same text.
Correction: Always check spelling with a dictionary or grammar tool.
Barbeque or Barbecue in Everyday Examples
- Email: “We’d like to invite you to our annual barbecue event.”
- News: “The city hosted a charity barbecue in the park.”
- Social Media: “Can’t wait for tonight’s BBQ 🍖🔥.”
- Formal Writing: “The conference dinner featured a traditional barbecue feast.”
Barbeque or Barbecue – Google Trends & Usage Data
Google Trends shows “barbecue” as the dominant spelling worldwide. The word “barbeque” has lower search volume and is often linked to local branding or mistaken spelling.
- Top countries using “barbecue”: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia.
- Top searches for “barbeque”: Often linked to “barbeque nation” (restaurant chain) or regional ads.
FAQs
1. Is “barbeque” wrong?
Yes, it is considered a misspelling, though sometimes used informally.
2. Why do people write “barbeque”?
Because of the abbreviation BBQ, many assume it should expand to “barbeque.”
3. Is “barbecue” American or British?
Both. It’s the correct spelling in all varieties of English.
4. Can I use “BBQ” in professional writing?
Only if it’s part of a brand or informal context. Otherwise, use “barbecue.”
5. What does “barbecue” really mean?
It refers to cooking food slowly over smoke or fire, and also to the social event around it.
6. Is “Barbeque Nation” wrong then?
No—it’s a brand name. Companies sometimes use non-standard spellings.
7. Which spelling should I teach kids?
Always teach barbecue as the correct form.
Honor vs Honour –A Quick Guide to British vs American English
Conclusion
The spelling debate between “barbeque” and “barbecue” is simple to solve: the correct form is always barbecue. While “barbeque” may appear in brand names, advertisements, or casual social media posts, it is not considered standard English.
Whether you’re writing an email, publishing a menu, or preparing professional content, choosing the correct spelling shows attention to detail. Across American, British, and global English, barbecue is the universally accepted form. Save “barbeque” for stylistic branding only—and never for formal writing.
So next time you fire up the grill, remember: it’s a barbecue, not a barbeque.
