churrasco: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-Low (regionally high in areas with South American influence)Informal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “churrasco” mean?
A South American method of grilling meat, often involving skewers or a barbecue grill.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A South American method of grilling meat, often involving skewers or a barbecue grill.
Refers to both the cooking technique (slow-grilling over wood or charcoal) and the social event centered around such a barbecue.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Not native to either variety; used as a loanword primarily in food/cultural contexts. Slightly more recognized in American English due to larger Hispanic/Latino communities.
Connotations
Exotic, authentic, culinary specialty. In the UK, might be associated with Brazilian-themed restaurants.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English. Its use is almost entirely confined to menus, food writing, and discussions of South American culture.
Grammar
How to Use “churrasco” in a Sentence
to have a churrascoto cook (sth) churrasco-styleto go to a churrascoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “churrasco” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're planning to churrasco the picanha for the party.
American English
- He churrascos the best ribs in town.
adverb
British English
- The meat was cooked churrasco-style.
American English
- They prepared the chicken churrasco, over an open flame.
adjective
British English
- They serve a lovely churrasco platter for sharing.
American English
- The churrasco experience at that restaurant is unbeatable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in restaurant, catering, or food tourism marketing.
Academic
Appears in anthropological, cultural studies, or culinary history texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing specific dining plans or experiences.
Technical
Used in culinary arts to describe a specific grilling technique.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “churrasco”
- Using 'churrasco' to refer to any garden barbecue.
- Mispronouncing the double 'r' (should be a guttural/hushed sound, not a strong roll).
- Spelling: 'churrasko', 'churasco'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While it is a type of barbecue, it specifically refers to the South American (particularly Brazilian) style of grilling meat, often on large skewers over an open flame, and is associated with a specific social event.
Yes, but it's considered a loanword. It's perfectly understandable in contexts about food or travel, but in a general sense, 'barbecue' or 'grill' is more common.
Both are South American barbecue traditions. 'Churrasco' is strongly associated with Brazil, while 'asado' is from Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The meats, cuts, and social rituals differ.
In English, it's often simplified. Aim for a soft, guttural sound (like the 'h' in 'hue'), not a strong rolled 'r' as in Spanish.
A South American method of grilling meat, often involving skewers or a barbecue grill.
Churrasco is usually informal to neutral in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a churrasco and cerveja day (a perfect summer day)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHURch + RASCAl + COOkout' → a mischievous feast at a church barbecue.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHURRASCO IS A COMMUNAL CELEBRATION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cultural origin of 'churrasco'?