On 2006-03-24, OmManiPadmeOmelet > wrote:

> Nope! :-)
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbacoa

Nope!

The wikipedia definition sounds like it was written by a Texan.
Understandable, as Texans imagine they're the center of the known
universe. But, further research reveals otherwise.

"The word derives from Arawak or Haitian or Taina barbacoa and became
Spanish barbacoa, "wooden frame on posts" or "framework for meat over
fire."

http://dictionary.reference.com/features/july4.html

"The local Arawakan Indians had a method of erecting a frame of wooden
sticks over a fire in order to dry meat. In their language, Taino,
they called it a barbacòa, which Spanish explorers borrowed."

http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-bar1.htm

These Caribbean origins jive with those who believe barbecoa evolved
into the classic barbecued pork of the South, having been introduced
by West Indies slaves to Southern slaves.

As I understand it, the origins of the word are still very much in
dispute.

nb