Dictionary definition of “barbecue stopper”

barbecue stopper

n. a topic of constant and widespread conversation, especially a divisive political or social issue; (hence) a social gaffe. Subjects: English, Australia, Politics

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Citations: 2001 Jennifer Hewett Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) (Oct. 27) “Man On A Mission” p. 29: That’s one reason he will talk about improving the balance between work and family, a topic he describes as a “barbecue stopper” because it engenders so much conversation whenever people get together. 2003 Catherine McGrath Australian Broadcasting Corporation (July 29) “Federal Cabinet discussing the problem of housing affordability”: Is housing affordability the new barbeque stopper? After yesterday’s figures confirming that housing prices are getting further and further out of many people’s reach, moves are gathering pace to set up an inquiry into the issue. 2003 Luke Morfesse The West Australian (Dec. 3) “Police defend Macro”: Although more than seven years have passed since their deaths, the Claremont serial killer case has often been a barbecue stopper. A mixture of fear and fascination fuelled by media updates on any developments in the case has ensured this. 2004 Sarah Wilson Sunday Herald Sun (Melbourne, Australia) (Jan. 11) “A kiss may tell far more than you think”: Can crazy, aching love stem and sustain itself from one kiss?…This topic became something of a barbecue stopper among my sausage-turning friends this week. The meat of the discussion was: How do you know if you have enough to launch a full-blown romance? 2004 [flyingdutch] Usenet: aus.bicycle (Mar. 1) “Re: Peck order”: Always amuses me how friends at a BBQ will complain how trucks harrass and force them off the road. “Just like riding a bike when youre driving a car.” I said on the weekend. “oh, but I dont do that,” she said. “Her kid pipes up, “Yes you do mum. Whatabout that man you almost hit yesterday.” “Oh, god Im sorry” she said “dont be sorry to me, just try to avoid having to apologise to that guy’s family next time.” Now, that’s a BBQ-stopper!!! 2004 [Matty] Usenet: alt.politics (May 14) “Re: Kerry’s Lead of a Week Ago All Gone Now, Thanks to the Iraq prisoner scandal”: Maybe if we’re lucky, there will be a religious nut who will stand as an independent and be a BBQ stopper for the Republican party. Nothing would please me more than seeing the Republican party split into factions resulting in around 35% support for GWB. 2005 Mr. Whippy BBQ Stoppers (Australia) (Jan. 14) “Why would you want to stop a BBQ?”: I should explain exactly just what the phrase “BBQ Stopper” actually means. It’s Australian slang for a social incident or inappropriate comment that causes everyone at the BBQ to stop talking and look at you in a half-embarrassed, half-accusing kind of way.

Posted 21 Jan 05 | Permalink | Tell a Friend