{"id":5897,"date":"2023-04-20T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-20T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/?p=5897"},"modified":"2023-04-20T22:05:45","modified_gmt":"2023-04-20T22:05:45","slug":"rodeo-terms-explained-terminology-slang","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/rodeo-terms-explained-terminology-slang\/","title":{"rendered":"Rodeo Terms Explained: Terminology &#038; Slang"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Rodeo consist of seven separate, complex and unique events. Each event has its own rules and its own terminology. For this reason, the sport of rodeo as a whole is a rich source of interesting language and slang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you go to a rodeo, if you&#8217;re not hip to this jive, you may have a hard time understanding what&#8217;s going on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we clue you in on thirty examples of popular rodeo slang, terminology and terms you can use so that people won&#8217;t think it\u2019s your first rodeo! Read on to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">What You'll Learn Today<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Rodeo_Terms\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Rodeo Terms<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#1_Judges\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.1<\/span> 1. Judges<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_Penalty\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.2<\/span> 2. Penalty<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_Cowboy_Nod\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.3<\/span> 3. Cowboy Nod<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4_Bullfighter\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.4<\/span> 4. Bullfighter<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#5_Stock_Contractors\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.5<\/span> 5. Stock Contractors<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#6_BroncBronco\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.6<\/span> 6. Bronc\/Bronco<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#7_Roughstock\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.7<\/span> 7. Roughstock<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#8_Roughstock_Events\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.8<\/span> 8. Roughstock Events<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#9_Spurs\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.9<\/span> 9. Spurs<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#10_Bucking\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.10<\/span> 10. Bucking<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#11_Flank_Strap\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.11<\/span> 11. Flank Strap<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#12_Free_Hand\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.12<\/span> 12. Free Hand<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#13_Hung_Up\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.13<\/span> 13. Hung Up<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#14_Mark_OutMiss_Out\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.14<\/span> 14. Mark Out\/Miss Out<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#15_No_Score\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.15<\/span> 15. No Score<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#16_Pickup_Men\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.16<\/span> 16. Pickup Men<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#17_Re-ride\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.17<\/span> 17. Re-ride<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#18_Rigging_Or_Riggin\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.18<\/span> 18. Rigging Or Riggin\u2018<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#19_Average\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.19<\/span> 19. Average<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#20_Draw\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.20<\/span> 20. Draw<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#21_Go_AroundGo_8217round\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.21<\/span> 21. Go Around\/Go &#8217;round<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#22_Hazer\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.22<\/span> 22. Hazer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#23_Header_Heeler\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.23<\/span> 23. Header &amp; Heeler<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#24_Chaps\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.24<\/span> 24. Chaps<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#25_Chute\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.25<\/span> 25. Chute<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#26_Box\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.26<\/span> 26. Box<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#27_Bulldogging\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.27<\/span> 27. Bulldogging<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#28_Cloverleaf_Pattern\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.28<\/span> 28. Cloverleaf Pattern<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#29_Tipping_A_Barrel\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.29<\/span> 29. Tipping A Barrel<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#30_Rookie\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.30<\/span> 30. Rookie<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#31_Roping_Dummy\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.31<\/span> 31. Roping Dummy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"Rodeo_Terms\">Rodeo Terms<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/rodeo-1249437_1280-compressor.jpg\" alt=\"rodeo slang\" class=\"wp-image-4365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/rodeo-1249437_1280-compressor.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/rodeo-1249437_1280-compressor-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/rodeo-1249437_1280-compressor-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/rodeo-1249437_1280-compressor-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"1_Judges\">1. Judges<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These are the officials who ensure that all of the rodeo contestants follow the rules. It is the judges\u2019 duty to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Make sure that the facilities are in safe condition throughout the events<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Determine the length of time allowed in timed events<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Calculate the scores in roughstock events<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep track of penalties<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"2_Penalty\">2. Penalty<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Infractions of the rules in timed events often incur a ten second penalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"3_Cowboy_Nod\">3. Cowboy Nod<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The cowboy gives the judge a nod to open the gate of the chute or to start the clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"4_Bullfighter\">4. Bullfighter<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This person is tasked with distracting a bull after it has bucked off a rider, thus protecting the rider while he makes his getaway (or in some instances is carried away). Bullfighters are often comically dressing as clowns or hobos, but make no mistake! They are very athletic and fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"5_Stock_Contractors\">5. Stock Contractors<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The purveyors of horses, bulls, steers and calves used in roughstock and roping events and subsequently sent to slaughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Stuff Bull Riders Say\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4QMXDdSoIwI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"6_BroncBronco\">6. Bronc\/Bronco<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A horse who has not been tamed. This term is usually used to refer to horses in a bucking horse event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"7_Roughstock\">7. Roughstock<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bucking broncos and bulls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"8_Roughstock_Events\">8. Roughstock Events<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Those events involving bucking broncos or bucking bulls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"9_Spurs\">9. Spurs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Metal implements that are affixed to a rider&#8217;s boot heels and used to goad animals forward or into bucking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"10_Bucking\">10. Bucking<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kicking and jumping. A bronco or a bull will buck in an attempt to unseat a rider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"11_Flank_Strap\">11. Flank Strap<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The strap that is placed around bucking bulls\u2019 and broncos&#8217; flanks to force them to buck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"12_Free_Hand\">12. Free Hand<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A bull rider must maintain a free hand throughout his ride. It cannot touch the rope or the animal, or the rider will be disqualified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"13_Hung_Up\">13. Hung Up<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If a bucking bull or bronco rider is unable to disengage his hand from the handle or rope before dismounting or being thrown, he is said to be hung up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"14_Mark_OutMiss_Out\">14. Mark Out\/Miss Out<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When riding a bucking bronco, the cowboy&#8217;s feet have to be higher than the horse\u2019s shoulders at the time that the horse\u2019s front feet make contact with the ground. If this is the case, it is called a <em>&#8220;mark out&#8221;<\/em>. If the cowboy&#8217;s feet are below the horse\u2019s shoulders at this point, it is called a <em>&#8220;miss out&#8221;<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"15_No_Score\">15. No Score<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In roughstock events, if the rider is unable to remain seated for eight seconds, he gets no score. This term is also used if a roper misses the steer or calf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"16_Pickup_Men\">16. Pickup Men<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A pair of cowboy assistants who facilitate roughstock events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"17_Re-ride\">17. Re-ride<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the bucking bronco or bull cannot be goaded into bucking, the cowboy will be given the opportunity to do a re-ride on a different animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"18_Rigging_Or_Riggin\">18. Rigging Or Riggin\u2018<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A handle used in roughstock events that has been specifically designed to work with the rider&#8217;s grip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Stuff Cowboys Say\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/V4q1WUmIVgI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"19_Average\">19. Average<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This refers to the average or aggregate of a contestant\u2019s overall scores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"20_Draw\">20. Draw<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Competitors are assigned steers, calves, bucking bulls and broncos by the luck of the draw, randomly before the event. In the case of roughstock the drawing is held three days prior to the event. In the case of calves and steers to be roped or wrestled, the drawing is held just before the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"21_Go_AroundGo_8217round\">21. Go Around\/Go &#8217;round<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some rodeos will have more than a single round of competition. Each round is called a go-round or go around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"22_Hazer\">22. Hazer<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The hazer keeps the steer running straight during a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stpaulrodeo.com\/p\/about\/rodeo\/rodeo-event-descriptions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">steer wrestling event<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"23_Header_Heeler\">23. Header &amp; Heeler<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These are the two members of a roping team. The header ropes the steer\u2019s horns. The heeler ropes the hind legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"24_Chaps\">24. Chaps<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This garment made of leather protects the legs while riding, or in some cases while performing farrier tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"25_Chute\">25. Chute<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a small pen located at the side of the arena were calves, steers, bulls and broncos are held just prior to their events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"26_Box\">26. Box<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not an actual box, rather it is the area that a rider backs his horse into just prior to a run in a timed steer wrestling or roping event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"27_Bulldogging\">27. Bulldogging<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Wrestling a steer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"28_Cloverleaf_Pattern\">28. Cloverleaf Pattern<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The barrel racing pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"29_Tipping_A_Barrel\">29. Tipping A Barrel<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In a <a href=\"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/how-to-get-into-barrel-racing\/\">barrel race<\/a>, if the rider touches the barrel, they are given a five second penalty. If they are able to prevent the barrel from falling over, the penalty is withheld.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"30_Rookie\">30. Rookie<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A new or first-time barrel racing competitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"31_Roping_Dummy\">31. Roping Dummy<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/best-roping-dummy\/\">Roping dummy<\/a> is a wooden or metal shape resembling cattle that is often used to practise roping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Horses-Foals-2023-04-20T225945.940.jpg\" alt=\"rodeo terms explained Frequently Asked Questions\" class=\"wp-image-7153\" srcset=\"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Horses-Foals-2023-04-20T225945.940.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Horses-Foals-2023-04-20T225945.940-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Horses-Foals-2023-04-20T225945.940-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Horses-Foals-2023-04-20T225945.940-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1682028166353\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">1. What does a cowboy mean when he says someone &#8220;gave it a lick and a promise&#8221;?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">This is an old west term for doing something halfway or in a haphazard manner.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1682028182669\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">2. Is a &#8220;hog-killing time&#8221; a bad thing?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">On the contrary! A hog-killing time is a good time. This is a way to describe a really good rodeo, carnival, dance or similar social event.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1682028184390\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">3. Why do some old west sayings use such unlikely comparisons?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Colorful comparisons, such as &#8220;I&#8217;m grinning like a donkey eating cactus&#8221; or &#8220;I&#8217;m happier than a dog with two tails&#8221; bring funny, clear images to mind. Don&#8217;t try making up your own until you&#8217;re really part of the rodeo crowd though. Be extra careful if English is your second language!<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1682028185165\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">4. What are you doing if you&#8217;re &#8220;barking at a knot&#8221;?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">This is an old-timey term for wasting time or doing something that&#8217;s meaningless or useless.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1682028186048\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">5. What is a Judas Steer?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">In the old cattle drive days, the cowboys would watch the steers in the herd to see which ones acted as leaders. The steer that the cattle were most likely to follow was termed the &#8220;Judas Steer&#8221;. This was the steer that the other cattle would follow into the slaughter house or yard. Sometimes this steer would be kept and used as the Judas Steer again and again.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rodeo consist of seven separate, complex and unique events. Each event has its own rules and its own terminology. For this reason, the sport of rodeo as a whole is a rich source of interesting language and slang. When you go to a rodeo, if you&#8217;re not hip to this jive, you may have a &#8230; <a title=\"Rodeo Terms Explained: Terminology &#038; Slang\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/rodeo-terms-explained-terminology-slang\/\" aria-label=\"More on Rodeo Terms Explained: Terminology &#038; Slang\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7153,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[36],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5897"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5897"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5897\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7154,"href":"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5897\/revisions\/7154"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7153"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5897"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5897"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horsesandfoals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5897"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}