In the strictest sense, a barbequephile describes someone with a disciplined devotion to American barbeque, accompanying strict traditions of consumption and appreciation. In a
general sense however, a barbequephile simply refers to a person who enjoys American barbeque and often a layperson. Barbequephiles are also known as American barbeque aficionados or connoisseurs. They are
people who appreciate authentic American barbeque, particularly authentic representations of regional barbeque specialties, methods of cooking barbeque, or methods of manufacturing barbeque equipment. While most barbequephiles are hobbyists, some
may also be professionals
like chefs, pitmasters, barbeque equipment manufacturers, or barbeque judges (
one who tastes and
grades Barbeque, according to specific criteria, for for contests).
Sure, I enjoy eating barbeque, but I am no barbequephile like Jim. Just ask his
wife, he
will stop at any barbeque restaurant, run down shack or rib
joint he passes on the road.