If you’ve ever searched for grilling recipes or restaurant menus, you’ve probably noticed two spellings: barbeque and barbecue. This often leaves people wondering which one is correct. Is barbeque a misspelling, or are both spellings acceptable?
The good news is that you’re not alone. Many native English speakers use these words interchangeably. However, there is a preferred spelling in standard English. In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between barbeque vs barbecue, when to use each spelling, common mistakes to avoid, and how American and British English treat the word.
Quick Answer
Barbecue is the standard and correct spelling in both American and British English.
Barbeque is an alternative spelling that appears mainly in informal writing, business names, restaurant branding, and product labels. While people understand both spellings, barbecue is the recommended choice for formal writing, academic work, and professional communication.
What Does Barbecue Mean?
Barbecue is both a noun and a verb.
As a noun, it refers to:
- A method of cooking food slowly over fire or hot coals.
- A grill or cooking equipment.
- A social gathering where grilled food is served.
As a verb, it means to cook food over an open flame, charcoal, or low heat.
Examples
- We enjoyed a family barbecue on Sunday afternoon.
- They decided to barbecue chicken for dinner.
- The backyard barbecue lasted until late evening.
What Does Barbeque Mean?
Barbeque has the same meaning as barbecue, but it is considered a non-standard or alternative spelling.
Many restaurants, sauce brands, food trucks, and local businesses intentionally use barbeque because it looks unique or memorable. However, dictionaries generally list barbecue as the primary spelling.
Examples
- The restaurant is called “Joe’s Barbeque House.”
- She bought a bottle of barbeque sauce from the grocery store.
- The festival featured several local barbeque vendors.
Barbeque vs Barbecue: The Main Difference
The difference is mainly about spelling rather than meaning.
| Feature | Barbecue | Barbeque |
|---|---|---|
| Standard spelling | Yes | No (alternative) |
| Dictionary preference | Yes | Usually listed as a variant |
| Meaning | Cooking over fire or grill | Same meaning |
| Used in formal writing | Yes | Rarely |
| Common in business names | Sometimes | Very common |
The pronunciation is exactly the same regardless of which spelling you use.
Why Is “Barbecue” the Preferred Spelling?
The word barbecue comes from the Spanish word barbacoa, which originally referred to a wooden framework used for cooking meat over fire.
Over time, English adopted the spelling barbecue, and it became the accepted standard in dictionaries and style guides.
The shorter spelling barbeque developed later, likely because people shortened BBQ into a full word based on pronunciation. Although it’s widely recognized, it remains less formal.
Is Barbeque Incorrect?
Not exactly.
Barbeque isn’t considered completely wrong, but it isn’t the preferred spelling in standard English.
You’ll commonly see it in:
- Restaurant names
- Food packaging
- Brand names
- Advertising
- Informal writing
If you’re writing an essay, blog post, business report, or professional email, choose barbecue instead.
American vs British English
Unlike many English spelling differences, barbecue is the preferred spelling in both American and British English.
Both varieties of English generally recognize barbecue as the standard word.
The spelling barbeque appears occasionally in both countries, but mostly in:
- Restaurant branding
- Product names
- Marketing materials
There is no major American vs British spelling difference for this word.
Examples in Everyday Sentences
Here are examples showing correct usage.
Using Barbecue
- They hosted a summer barbecue in their backyard.
- My father loves to barbecue ribs on weekends.
- The barbecue grill needs cleaning.
Using Barbeque
- We visited Pete’s Barbeque Restaurant.
- I bought spicy barbeque sauce.
- The local barbeque competition attracted many visitors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many writers make small mistakes when using these spellings.
1. Using Barbeque in Formal Writing
Although understandable, barbecue is the better choice for professional writing.
2. Thinking They Have Different Meanings
Both words refer to the same cooking method and event.
3. Assuming One Is American and the Other British
Unlike color vs colour or center vs centre, this is not a regional spelling difference.
4. Confusing BBQ with a Separate Word
BBQ is simply an abbreviation for barbecue.
Barbecue as a Noun and Verb
One interesting feature of this word is that it serves multiple grammatical purposes.
As a Noun
- We attended a neighborhood barbecue.
- The new barbecue grill works perfectly.
As a Verb
- They will barbecue burgers tonight.
- We love to barbecue vegetables during summer.
Understanding this flexibility helps improve your writing.
What About BBQ?
BBQ is the most common abbreviation for barbecue.
It appears frequently in:
- Restaurant signs
- Menus
- Recipes
- Sauce bottles
- Advertisements
- Social media posts
Examples:
- BBQ chicken
- BBQ sauce
- BBQ ribs
- BBQ party
In formal writing, however, spelling out barbecue is usually preferred.
When Should You Use Barbecue?
Choose barbecue when writing:
- School assignments
- Blog articles
- News stories
- Professional emails
- Cookbooks
- Academic papers
- Business documents
It is the safest and most widely accepted spelling.
When Might You Use Barbeque?
You may use barbeque when referring to:
- Official business names
- Product labels
- Restaurant brands
- Company logos
Always keep the original spelling if it is part of a proper name.
Example:
Joe’s Barbeque Shack serves smoked brisket every weekend.
Tips to Remember the Difference
A simple way to remember is:
- Barbecue = dictionary spelling = formal writing.
- Barbeque = branding or informal spelling.
Whenever you’re unsure, choose barbecue.
FAQs
Is barbecue or barbeque correct?
Both are recognized, but barbecue is the standard and preferred spelling in formal English.
Why do some restaurants spell it barbeque?
Many businesses use barbeque for branding because it looks distinctive and memorable.
Is BBQ short for barbecue or barbeque?
BBQ is traditionally an abbreviation for barbecue, the standard spelling.
Is there a difference in meaning between barbecue and barbeque?
No. Both words refer to the same style of cooking, food, or social event.
Which spelling should I use in school assignments?
Use barbecue, as it is the accepted dictionary spelling.
Is barbeque considered wrong?
Not entirely. It is an accepted variant but is less common in formal writing.
Do Americans and British people spell it differently?
No. Both American and British English generally prefer barbecue.
Summary
The debate over barbeque vs barbecue is mostly about spelling rather than meaning. Barbecue is the standard spelling recognized by dictionaries and style guides in both American and British English. It is the best choice for formal writing, professional communication, and educational content.
Barbeque, on the other hand, is an alternative spelling commonly seen in restaurant names, food brands, and marketing. While it isn’t incorrect, it is less formal and should generally be reserved for proper names or branding. When in doubt, choose barbecue for clear, accurate, and polished writing.
Dani Morrison is a dedicated language writer and spelling expert at Spelword.com, where she focuses on helping readers understand common English spelling mistakes and confusing word pairs. With a passion for clear communication, Dani creates easy-to-follow guides that simplify complex grammar and spelling rules for everyday use.
