Originally Posted by Mister Coaster

***WARNING: BBQ SNOB COMMENT FORTHCOMING***

Truth be told, it doesn't matter what part of the country (USA) you are from, BARBECUE means, and always has meant, cooking larger or "lower quality" pieces of meat, using indirect heat, for long cooking times. By lower quality I mean historically less desirable cuts that would be tough when cooked quickly, like brisket, pork shoulder & ribs.

GRILLING is using direct heat to cook smaller, "higher quality" pieces of meat. Steaks, burgers, dogs, chicken breast are usually grilled.

People in the USA have been using the term 'barbecue' incorrectly to describe 'grilling' for so long that 'a barbecue' has come to mean anything cooked outdoors. But just because a majority of people do it, doesn't make it correct.

I don't mean to sound like a complete tool here, but sometimes it has to be done.