Barbecue / BBQ - A grill, pit, or outdoor fireplace for roasting meat. A social gathering, usually held outdoors, at which food is cooked over an open flame. To roast, broil, or grill (meat or seafood) over live coals or an open fire, often basting with a seasoned sauce

Braai - A South African BBQ. See more South African Braai Terms

BTU - British Thermal Unit. A British Thermal Unit (BTU) is the amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree F. This is the standard measurement used to state the amount of energy that a fuel has as well as the amount of output of any heat generating device.

Gas Grill - A device or surface used for cooking food, usually fueled by gas or charcoal

Marinate - Coat or immerse food in an acidic-based liquid or dry rub, to tenderize and flavor before cooking


South African Braai Terms: (Source: Calor Alfresco)

Dop – This is used to indicate a drink, usually alcoholic – use this term to offer a friend a drink at your Braai - “Can I pour you a dop?”

Dinges – Used when someone can’t immediately remember the name of a person or object. For instance at your barbecue say: “Please pass the dinges” – it may cause confusion but will make for an authentic Braai.

Kos – (pronounced kor-ss) The Afrikaans word for food. For example. "Jislaaik, what lekker kos.” –or "wow! This is nice food."

Lekker – (pronounced likk-irr with rolling r) Afrikaans word meaning nice –mainly used to refer to food.

Rock up – To arrive somewhere unannounced, e.g. at a casual barbecue encourage friends to Rock Up – ensure there’s plenty of ‘lekker kos’ for everyone.

Jislaaik (pronounced yis-like) – This is an expression of surprise. For example - "Jislaaik, I can’t believe I won the national lottery."

Windgat – This means a show off. Taken from the Afrikaans it literally means “wind hole” from ‘to blow one’s own trumpet’. E.g. – "My husband turns into such a windgat when he is looking after the barbecue."

Babbelas (pronounced bub-buh-luss) – Babbelas refers to a hangover – Advise a friend politely - "Don’t drop too many beers bru, you’ll end up with a babbelas”.

Bru/Doll (pronounced brew) – A term of affection used among men, meaning "brother". An example would be "Hey, my bru, howzit?" - female equivalent is ‘doll’ for example, “Hey doll, please pass the ketchup."

Australian BBQ Slang

Barbie - to BBQ

We are always updating this page - come back soon