Barbeque or Barbecue? Correct Spelling Explained With Examples

Few food-related words create as much spelling confusion as barbeque or barbecue. You may see barbeque on restaurant signs, barbecue in dictionaries, and even BBQ on menus and social media.

So which one is correct? And does it really matter?

People search for barbeque or barbecue because they want to use the right spelling in writing, branding, blogs, emails, or even business names.

The confusion comes from regional spelling differences, shortened forms, and informal usage online. Many assume both spellings are equally correct everywhere, but that’s not always true.

This article clears up that confusion once and for all. You’ll get a quick answer, learn the origin of the word, understand British vs American spelling rules, and discover which spelling you should use based on your audience.

We’ll also cover common mistakes, real-life examples, usage trends, and FAQs. By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use barbeque, barbecue, or BBQ—with confidence and clarity.

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Quick Answer

Barbecue is the correct and standard spelling in both American and British English.
Barbeque is a non-standard or informal variant.

Examples:

• ✅ We’re having a barbecue this weekend.
• ❌ We’re having a barbeque this weekend.
• ✅ The restaurant specializes in Texas-style barbecue.

BBQ is an accepted abbreviation in informal writing.

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The Origin of Barbeque or Barbecue

The word barbecue comes from the Spanish word “barbacoa”, which described a wooden frame used by Indigenous Caribbean people to cook meat over fire.

Spanish explorers brought the term to Europe, and it later entered English in the 17th century.

Over time, barbecue became the standard English spelling. The shorter form BBQ emerged in the 20th century for convenience. The spelling barbeque likely developed from pronunciation and casual usage but never became standard in formal English.

That’s why dictionaries recognize barbecue, not barbeque, as the correct form.

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British English vs American English Spelling

Unlike many words (colour/color, travelled/traveled), barbecue does not change spelling between British and American English.

Spelling Comparison Table

Variant	American English	British English	Formal Use
Barbecue	✅ Correct	✅ Correct	✅ Yes
Barbeque	❌ Incorrect	❌ Incorrect	❌ No
BBQ	✅ Informal	✅ Informal	⚠️ Limited

Key point: Both US and UK English prefer barbecue.

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Which Spelling Should You Use?

Choose based on your audience and context:

• US audience: Use barbecue
• UK / Commonwealth audience: Use barbecue
• Global or professional writing: Use barbecue
• Casual posts, menus, branding: You may use BBQ
• Academic or formal writing: Always use barbecue

Professional rule: If accuracy matters, avoid barbeque.

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Common Mistakes with Barbeque or Barbecue

Here are frequent errors and how to fix them:

• ❌ Writing barbeque in blogs or articles
  ✅ Use barbecue
• ❌ Mixing forms in one text (barbecue and barbeque)
  ✅ Stay consistent
• ❌ Using BBQ in formal writing
  ✅ Spell out barbecue
• ❌ Assuming barbeque is British spelling
  ✅ British English uses barbecue

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Barbeque or Barbecue in Everyday Examples

Emails:

• “Join us for a team barbecue this Friday.”

News:

• “The city hosted a summer barbecue festival.”

Social Media:

• “Weekend vibes 🔥 BBQ with friends!”

Formal Writing:

• “The event included a traditional outdoor barbecue.”

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Barbeque or Barbecue – Google Trends & Usage Data

Search data shows barbecue is far more popular worldwide. It dominates searches in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most English-speaking countries.

Barbeque appears less often and mainly in:

• Informal searches
• Brand names
• Misspellings

Keyword Comparison Table

Term	Popularity	Use Case
Barbecue	Very High	Standard & formal
BBQ	High	Informal & casual
Barbeque	Low	Non-standard

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FAQs

1. Is barbeque ever correct?
No. It’s considered a misspelling in standard English.

2. Is BBQ acceptable in writing?
Yes, but only in informal contexts.

3. Do British people spell it barbeque?
No. British English uses barbecue.

4. Can I use BBQ in business branding?
Yes. Many brands use BBQ for style.

5. What spelling do dictionaries prefer?
All major dictionaries list barbecue.

6. Is barbecue a noun or a verb?
Both. We had a barbecue (noun). We barbecue meat (verb).

7. Is barbeque wrong in restaurant names?
It’s informal, not grammatically correct.

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Conclusion

The confusion between barbeque or barbecue is common, but the rule is simple. Barbecue is the correct and accepted spelling in both American and British English.

It has historical roots, dictionary support, and universal acceptance. The spelling barbeque may appear in casual use or brand names, but it’s not considered standard or correct in formal writing.

If you want to sound professional, clear, and accurate, always choose barbecue. Use BBQ only when the tone is relaxed, such as social media, menus, or friendly messages. Avoid mixing spellings and never assume barbeque is a regional variant—it isn’t.

By following these guidelines, you’ll communicate confidently and avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re writing a blog, an email, or a menu, you now know the right word to use—and why it matters.