Noun (feminine: la barbacoa)
/bar.βaˈko.a/
The term barbacoa primarily refers to a method of cooking meat, traditionally done in a pit or over an open flame, originating from indigenous practices in the Caribbean and Mexico. In some Latin American countries, including Colombia and Ecuador, it can also refer to the actual event or gathering centered around grilling or roasting meat. The word is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, especially in discussions about food, culture, and social gatherings.
Barbacoa is frequently used in informal conversations, particularly at family or social events. It may also appear in menus, recipes, and culinary articles.
El fin de semana haremos una barbacoa en el patio de mi casa.
This weekend we will have a barbecue in my backyard.
La barbacoa de carne de res es una tradición en muchas culturas latinoamericanas.
Beef barbecue is a tradition in many Latin American cultures.
Siempre que hay una barbacoa, mis amigos y yo nos reunimos para disfrutar.
Whenever there is a barbecue, my friends and I get together to enjoy.
While barbacoa may not have a large number of fixed idiomatic expressions, it is often associated with cultural events and gatherings. Here are a few idiomatic references in context:
"Hacer una barbacoa" se ha vuelto una costumbre de verano en la mayoría de las casas.
Making a barbecue has become a summer custom in most homes.
"Barbacoa y cerveza" son los ingredientes fundamentales para una buena fiesta.
Barbecue and beer are the essential ingredients for a good party.
"Lo mejor de la barbacoa son las conversaciones que se generan alrededor de la parrilla."
The best part of the barbecue are the conversations that arise around the grill.
The word barbacoa comes from the Taíno word barabicu, which refers to a wooden structure used for cooking meat over a fire. It was adopted into Spanish and eventually spread to other languages, retaining its culinary meaning.
Synonyms: - Asador (grill) - Parrilla (grill, barbecue)
Antonyms: - Cocción (cooking, but not in the grilling sense)
Barbacoa is a significant cultural term in the culinary vocabulary of several Latin American countries, influencing social practices and community gatherings.