Barbecue Slang Only A True ’Cue Expert Will Know
For many people, barbecuing is a nice hobby and a fun way to cook for family and friends. But for some, it’s a serious sport with its own rules, contests, etiquette, and slang! Seasoned pitmasters have their own language, and for those looking to step up their grilling game, it helps to know a thing or two about the unique terms being thrown around. From “shiggin’” to “shiners,” some of these BBQ slang words may sound strange, but they’re pretty cool. Let’s get cookin’!
1. Pit boss
It makes sense to start with the most important person in barbecue vernacular. That person is the pit boss, or pit master. The pit boss is who all wannabe barbecuers aspire to be. The one who stands and sweats over the red-hot coals and vast smoke, expertly turning the copious amounts of meat into char-encrusted perfection. All hail the pit boss!
2. Creosote
When you’ve been at a barbecue in the past, you might have heard the term “creosote” thrown around by the person manning the ’cue. But what does it mean? The answer is that it’s slang for the sticky yet natural substance that will likely arise on the surface of the meat that’s being cooked, if the wood isn’t smoldering correctly. That substance is carcinogenic and bitter-tasting, so you might want to get some more meat and try again.
3. Crash in the smoker
“There’s been a crash in the smoker!” Ever heard a pit boss utter that at the barbecue? Well, if you have, you were likely wondering what the heck they were going on about! A crash in the smoker refers to when meat wobbles off track or off hooks, effectively losing its balance, before colliding with another piece of meat in the barbecue. Comprende?
4. Planking
If a pit boss has told you that they’ll be “planking” the next round of meat, that can only mean one thing. He or she will be cooking it all on top of a thin piece of wood, which has been pre-drenched in water. So, when the wood is heated, the smoke and steam will envelope the meat and create a unique tenderness and flavor. Mmm..
