BBQS

Set to 3 different clues across 3 published puzzles, most often “Patio cookouts, for short” — The New York Times, Tuesday, 8 March 2011.

4 letters

Every clue on record, most used first

Patio cookouts, for shortonce
The New York Times — Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Things associated with pits and spits, brieflyonce
The New York Times — Saturday, 26 July 2008
Patio parties, brieflyonce
The New York Times — Tuesday, 24 June 2008