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