What is the origin of the word "barbeque"?

Option B 'Spanish barbacoa' is correct. The word 'barbecue' derives from the Taino (Arawakan) word 'barbacoa' encountered by Spanish explorers in the Caribbean. It referred to a wooden framework used for smoking meat, not the cooking method itself. The Spanish adapted this term, and it entered English in the 17th century. Option A 'barbaric' is unrelated despite similar spelling. Option C is French candy. Option D is a modern spelling variant.