Meaning of mutton busting | Babel Free

Definitions

A form of entertainment, akin to bull riding, where young children compete to hold onto the back of sheep for as long as possible.

uncountable

Examples

“See⟳ all these sheep over there? All those kids are gonna be racing. […] What's this called again? Mutton busting. Mutton busting?”

“What is mutton busting? […] Apparently, in certain parts of the country it's perfectly acceptable to take⟳ your 2- to 6-year-old child, strap a helmet on their tiny, fragile, still-growing head and throw⟳ them on the back of a frantic sheep in front of a cheering audience. It's a very, very real thing at junior rodeos, […]”

“But mutton busting quickly caught on and is now a staple at rodeos and fairs around the country, and even overseas, despite occasional opposition from animal rights groups.”

“I feel⟳ like⟳ having all of the livestock exhibits and shows under one roof has been fun and educational for our fair families as well as the public. […] Our truck and tractor pull⟳ were well attended, and we had some great reviews on that. [T]he mutton busting area was packed!”

CEFR level