We are having a gathering here at the house tomorrow to celebrate (approximately) the little one's birthday.  As such, we are having a "cookout."  This is different than a barbeque as any Southerner knows that this is something you eat not an event you have. 

Here in the Northwest a cookout is a barbeque even if you are eating salmon.

All very confusing and the "cookout" invites have generated questions like "does that mean I bring my own food?", "is it a competition?," or even better "what is that?"

Even Wikipedia will lead you astray.  Instapundit Glenn Reynolds just made the same point.

Just trying to bring a little culture to the Northwest.