braai, noun
/ˈbraɪ/
- Origin:
- Shortened form of braaivleis, see braaivleis.
1.
a. An informal outdoor gathering at which meat is grilled over an open fire; braaivleis sense 1; braaivleisaand; vleisbraai. Also attributive, and occasionally figurative.
b. With distinguishing epithets designating different types of braai according to:
i. The method used:
1988 H. Prendini in Style June 105Like the man who invented the newspaper braai..he gets an immense kick out of using whatever comes to hand.
ii. The food grilled:
1972 Grocott’s Mail 17 Nov. 3A chicken braai and dance, with no political speeches..will be held for United Party supporters and friends.
1980 Sunday Times 25 May 11Inviting Hindus to an oxbraai is tantamount to inviting Muslims or Jews to a pork braai.
2.
a. Any of several types of structure in which a fire is made for the outdoor grilling of meat.
- Note:
- These may be stone or brick fireplaces or portable wood, gas or charcoal grills.
1962 J. Taylor ‘Hennie van Saracen’. (lyrics)As we sits round the braai, chewing boerewors, My Dad says ‘You’re famous Son’.
1990 Sunday Times 29 Oct. (Mag. Sect.) 38While the ladies prepare the salads and the mieliepap, the small talk around the braai is the same as the big talk. Farming.
b. Occasionally with distinguishing epithet designating the type of structure so used:
1993 Getaway Nov. 28 (advt)Ken and Angela Self with their tent, sleeping bags, gas braai and the rest of their gear set off to take on the challenge of Africa.
3. noncount. Meat grilled over an open fire; braaivleis sense 2.
1972 Cape Times 29 Apr. 2Braai, cooked in the garden, was served in the restored ‘keller’ which is shortly to be opened as a restaurant.
1986 D. Case Love, David 25‘Smell that braai!’ Oupa said. ‘Yes,’ David replied. ‘It makes you hungry.’
4. combinations
1979 E. Prov. Herald 31 Oct. 11Skill shows..in the neatly handsome brickwork used in the braai area.
1938 ‘Mrs Gossip’ in Star 1 Dec. 12Pannekoeke, braaiwors, melktert, mosbolletjies, beskuit and coffee could be had in plenty.
Barbecue.
An informal outdoor gathering at which meat is grilled over an open fire; braaivleis sense 1; braaivleisaand; vleisbraai. Also attributive, and occasionally figurative.
Any of several types of structure in which a fire is made for the outdoor grilling of meat.
Meat grilled over an open fire; braaivleis sense 2.
Copyright © 2023 Dictionary Unit for South African English.