A local amateur philosopher has responded to popular use of the term “This is not my first rodeo” by claiming that attendance at a minimum of one rodeo is insufficient experience to become a subject matter expert. While Darren Innes admitted that he had initially used the phrase in general conversation, after further consideration and analysis he no longer applies it in his day-to-day life.

Speaking to The Watsonia Bugle about his somewhat controversial change of heart, Innes said, “Look, I understand it’s just supposed to be this kind of lighthearted thing but, seriously, you reckon if you attend just one rodeo you’re all of a sudden some kind of expert in the field? I don’t think so, buddy.”

Despite refusing to suggest a specific number of rodeo attendances that would equate to a level of general competence, Innes conceded that anything above “first” could prove cumbersome in the phrase. He said, “It’s tricky, I know. I mean, saying “This is not my 12th rodeo” or something like that is confusing. Maybe I just have to get over it. I don’t know.”

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