burgoo

[ bur-goo, bur-goo ]

noun

, plural bur·goos

1. a thick oatmeal gruel, especially as eaten by sailors.
2. Chiefly Kentucky and Tennessee.
   1. a thick, highly seasoned soup or stew, usually made of chicken or small game and corn, tomatoes, and onions.
   2. a picnic or other gathering at which burgoo is served.

burgoo

/ ˈbɜːɡuː; bɜːˈɡuː /

noun

1. slang.
   nautical porridge
2. 1. a thick highly seasoned soup or stew of meat and vegetables
   2. a picnic or gathering at which such soup is served

Word History and Origins

Origin of burgoo¹

1735–45; perhaps ultimately < Arabic burghul, burghūl cracked wheat ( bulgur ), though immediate source is uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of burgoo¹

C18: perhaps from Arabic burghul crushed grain

Example Sentences

Navigating only 8,600 seats and a slower pace, you can take your time moving from betting window to bourbon bar to burgoo stand.

From Washington Post

Some of the offerings include burgoo, the hot brown, soup beans, fried potatoes, collard greens, beer cheese, spoonbread and bourbon cake.

From Seattle Times

Along the midway the Anti-Horse-Thief Society had a stand selling burgoo and roasting ears.

From Literature

Each raceday features $5 food and drink specials identified with that particular event: For the Derby, it's mint juleps and a choice of hot browns, burgoo stew and Derby pie.

From Washington Post

The series kicks off on May 2 with hot browns, burgoo stew and Derby pie, paired with Bulleit mint juleps.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• gruel
• oatmeal
• polenta