The spelling of the word "becue" may seem peculiar to some, but it can be explained through its phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "ba-" is pronounced as /bə/, while the second syllable "-cue" is pronounced as /kju/. The initial "q" represents the /k/ sound, while the "ue" combination creates the /ju/ sound. Thus, the spelling "becue" accurately represents the word's pronunciation. However, some may prefer the more common spelling of "barbecue" to avoid confusion or misunderstanding.
The word "barbecue" has a convoluted etymology. Its earliest origins can be traced back to the Taino people of the Caribbean, who used the word "barbacoa" to refer to a framework of green sticks set upon posts over a fire. The meat was then suspended above the fire on these green sticks to cook.
The Spanish explorers encountered this cooking method during their conquests and brought the word "barbacoa" back to Europe. It gradually evolved in Spanish to "barbacoa" and later to "barbecue" in English.
However, "barbecue" as it is known today started to emerge in the American South. In the 18th century, American colonists adapted the technique to slow-cook whole hogs over an open flame. The word "barbacoa" morphed into "barbecue" through various dialect and pronunciation changes.