Rock climbing vocabulary slang. Opposite of free climbing.
Rock climbing vocabulary slang. The extreme sport of fucking extremely fat chicks (i.
Rock climbing vocabulary slang 1. e. The emphasis is on balance, footwork, and making use of very small features or rough spots on the rock for friction. Sport Climbing: Mar 2, 2023 · It’s no wonder that it has developed its own unique vocabulary, known as rock climbing lingo. Zone – Used primarily in competitive climbing. Well in this article I’ve got a list of 217 terms used when rock climbing including their definitions. A term Jul 11, 2023 · Once you’ve got your climbing shoes and a chalk bag or bucket, learning the lingo, language, slang, etc is the next step any prospective rock climber should take. Jun 7, 2024 · There isn’t a specific term to use when somebody Xs a chunk of rock; you just know to avoid it. Mar 6, 2025 · In climbing vocabulary, the figure eight knot is a must-know knot that’s as reliable as it is simple. As for the content on theCrag, this glossary relies on the input of you, the users of theCrag for updates, corrections and more precise definitions. Corner A feature formed where two planes meet at roughly right angles (AKA dihedral). Chalk can come in the form of a chalk ball inside of a chalk bag or as liquid chalk Oct 3, 2023 · The climbing world is full of wacky words and phrases, many unknown even to long-time climbers. Climbing Wall: An artificially constructed wall with grips for hands and feet, used for climbing. See full list on rei. From technical terms describing equipment and safety measures to slang used by climbers to communicate with each other, understanding rock climbing lingo is essential for both beginners and seasoned climbers. Jul 29, 2024 · However, if you’re new either to climbing (the sport) or Sport Climbing (the Olympic event), you may be baffled by all the jargon. Rock climbing has a specialized vocabulary that can be confusing and overwhelming. Rock climbing being a team sport, you need to have a grasp of the basic lingo to be able to seamlessly (and safely) communicate with other climbers. May 3, 2022 · The hardest section or section of a rock climbing route is the crux. Our informal dictionary of climbing terms. Plus, knowing the slang can make climbing feel more fun and engaging. Edging: A rock climbing technique where the edges of the climbing shoes are used to stand on small footholds. ABD Also assisted braking device. T-rex from [Orgazmo]) Apr 27, 2020 · Every subculture comes with its own vocabulary, and for rock climbers, "crag" is as much a part of the rock climbing dictionary as "beef jerky. Last updated 2 august 2024. The guy went really fast, and his speaking voice was extremely soft and hard to hear. Our expert guide to rock climbing terms, from equipment, moves and climbing styles to the the esoteric slang used by. Aug 2, 2024 · Soloing: rock climbing without rope. Gear can be used to protect against a fall. Especially with the start of Sender One LAX’s Bouldering League, you may need to know some of these words just to understand the rules! Climbers use and say so much slang, climbing pretty much has its own language. Can apply to many situations, but often refers to [scenarios] Sep 15, 2021 · He has been an avid (mostly rock) climber since the mid-1980s, and is the author of the Climbing Dictionary and the memoir Death Grip. Typical of any sport or subculture, rock climbing has its fair share of vocabulary that may seem intimidating at first. Understanding the lingo can help make the sport feel more approachable, but it is also essential to your safety in many situations. Chalk. Feb 13, 2025 · Rock climbing and bouldering come with specific terms that climbers need to know. Climbing Vocabulary Guide Everything You Need to Know Lead Climbing Vocabulary When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 29. While you don’t have to have the inside scoop on climbing slang to be successful on the wall, it can be helpful to know what other climbers are talking about when discussing how they climb. Gain insights into the equipment and techniques involved in belaying. Jul 31, 2005 · bouldering: Sport originally derived from sport climbing, consisting in short sequences of Rock Climbing: 1. T-rex from Orgazmo) Germany offers a variety of climbing opportunities, from mountain climbing in the Alps to rock climbing in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Climbing as a sport has a large array of obscure and specialized vocabulary or jargon. Dynamic rope. The person performing this action is called the belayer. Basically any time you use something other than your own body strength and technique. May 20, 2024 · A mechanical piece of climbing protection that expands within a crack in the rock to secure the climber. Firstly, you will need to know vocabulary for different types of climbing routes and Climbing Shoes. Anchor: A point of attachment for the climbing rope. Slack Portion of rope that is not taut, preferably minimized during belay. The extreme sport of fucking extremely fat chicks (i. Related: How (and When) to Watch Climbing in the 2024 Olympics Nov 9, 2017 · Sport Climbing – a form of rock climbing that relies on permanent anchors fixed to the rock for protection. Ice climbing is less popular than rock climbing, and typically more dangerous due to the unpredictable nature of ice, which can break without warning. ROCK CLIMBING TERMS. Any doubts? Please ask in the comments section. A term commonly used in Europe and Australia. I thot since i have been out for a few years and have recently seen a new Term being used i would start a post and hope that all can contribute to it. Belay: The technique of controlling the rope to protect a climber from falling. Feb 18, 2025 · Understanding climbing slang helps you communicate effectively with other climbers and enhances your climbing experience. Add them to your vocabulary so you can be at the cutting edge of climber-speak. Rock climbing glossary and terminology. See our list for outside climbing terms: Choss: Something that gets in the way of a clean rock The present Climbing Terms Glossary is a list of definitions of terms, jargon and lingo related to all styles of rock climbing covered on theCrag. Example use: “Sport climbing is the most fun type of climbing! Example use: “Sport climbing is the most fun type of climbing! Rock Climbing Equipment Terms at Isabelle Boston blog Rock Climbing Equipment Terms. Chalk is a white powder used to absorb sweat from hands to allow better grip while climbing. Crimp. Climbing Gym: An indoor facility equipped with artificial rock walls designed for climbing. Abseil – See Rappel. Aug 11, 2024 · Let’s start with the fundamentals. Apr 28, 2025 · Daily Chinese: Rock Climbing Vocabulary in Chinese! Learn Chinese with us! Sign up for a free trial class - link in bio! 👉Follow us @thatsmandarin to learn Chinese in China with pleasure! 📚 #chineselanguage #shanghai #character #vocabulary #slang #language #teaching #learn #school #mandarin #lesson #hsk Dec 21, 2006 · While bouldering can require extreme amounts of strength and control, it is relatively safe, because the only danger comes from landing incorrectly Top-roping is the form of climbing most commonly thought about when someone hears the word "rock climbing" it involves the rope going up from the climber, through an anchor setup at the top of the So I just started climbing yesterday and I absolutely fell in love. The comp climbing terms in this article will make it simple to follow the commentary and easier to understand what’s happening on the wall. These terms form the foundation of climbing vocabulary and are essential for anyone stepping into the world of rock climbing. Can be in the form of quickdraws on bolts to make a top rope anchor, accessory cord, or equipment placed anywhere on a route. Abalakov thread Abalakov thread Also V-thread. Opposite of free climbing. Climbing has its own language, full of words with specific meanings that help climbers communicate quickly. Climbing Culture Terms . But does rock climbing have enough slang? Until “climber speak” is so dense that it’s listed as its own Jul 21, 2023 · If you watched Alex Honnold climbing nearly 3,000 feet of sheer granite without a rope, but you weren’t completely certain what he was talking about half of the time, or if you just got into climbing and you’re looking to improve your crag-slang skills, or even if you’re just curious whether climbing slang is as weird as the words you use in your hobby, then this glossary is for you. Cams are crucial for trad climbing. He enjoys early-morning MoonBoard sessions, spending time with his family, and scoping for new routes in his backyard of the Flatirons, Colorado. Jun 23, 2024 · Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned climber, having a strong grasp of sport climbing vocabulary will enhance your overall climbing skills and knowledge. It can make discussions about routes and techniques easier, and it helps you feel more connected to the community. Jun 24, 2016 · But there’s a serious lack of slang when it comes to climbing gear. To help you understand what the heck people are talking about when they say, "I was super pumped at the crux of that chaucy splitter, and when I took a whipper I almost cratered!", we provide the following list of words. I took a brief "intro to climbing" course and we went over the basics as well as several climbing/bouldering terms. Not every route has a distinct crux, and some routes have multiple cruxes. . An ice climber using crampons on his feet and ice axes in his hands to ascent the inside of a glacier. For many folks, the joy of climbing comes from discovering the solution to a problem, so always ask before sharing beta! To share unwanted beta would be to “beta Dec 13, 2022 · If you are getting into rock climbing, one important thing to learn is the vocabulary. When bouldering outside, a piece of rock that you see with an X drawn on it in chalk serves as a warning not to use it because it is unsafe. Belay Feb 25, 2025 · Climbing Slang. Two climbers exchange beta for a climb. If you commonly fall during your send attempts, you may be a chuffer. Climbing Shoes: Specialized footwear designed for rock climbing. It translates really well to the outdoors and helps train gym climbers to remember that the grass and juniper trees on the dirty trad routes are “not rock” and touching them would invalidate the entire experience. By contrast, smearing applies as much of the sole of the climbing shoe as possible to a rock slab to achieve maximum friction. Free climbing is a general term that simply means you are relying on your hands and feet -- not gear -- to Jan 1, 2024 · Though this article will dabble in the jargon of climbing as well as the slang, certain terms for technical equipment and techniques have been intentionally left out. The extreme sport of climbing large rocks, or cliffs. co Compression A technique for climbing symmetrical features by placing a hand (or foot) on either side and pulling hard to hold the body in place. Surfers, skateboarders, and (probably) standup paddleboard yogis all have their jargon. Exposure: The distance from the climber to where the climber would likely stop in the event of an unprotected Nov 4, 2009 · climber: Someone who will do [whatever it takes] to reach what they consider to be the Dab: gym climbing term for “accidentally touching” different colored holds. May www. Trad Climbing: Short for traditional climbing, this style involves placing and removing protection (like cams and nuts) as you climb, rather than relying on fixed anchors. A term used interchangeably with rappelling, mainly in the UK and European countries. Jul 23, 2023 · To help you keep up or show off to your friends, we’ve selected 100 important rock climbing terms that every climber should know with very simple definitions. Found Dec 6, 2017 · Like a parent snooping on her teenager’s text messages, climbing slang sounds like utter nonsense to outsiders. References. Here are the basic climbing terms The name used for an outdoor climbing area or the cliff/rock in which climbing can be done. Climbers can use flakes as handholds or footholds, and sometimes flakes can be used for placing protection, although they can be unstable and require careful assessment for safety. Note that most people who express an interest in rock Jan 27, 2022 · Chuff: General term for failing to send a climb. A simple type of plywood wall that features a combination of either bolt-on holds or screw-on holds. Aid Climbing – Ascending a wall by pulling on fixed or temporary pieces of gear rather than climbing under your own May 12, 2023 · Climbing slang. Of course, most of the terms used already can also be used, but the following ones are usually reserved for the outside arena. The [extreme sport] of climbing large rocks, or [cliffs]. climbingjunkie. " May 19, 2014 · Slab climbing A particular type of rock climbing, and its associated techniques, involved in climbing rock that is less than vertical. Mar 14, 2021 · Common Rock Climbing Terminology Explained. To help you newcomers avoid sounding like a total kook—and you trad dads brush up on the latest lingo—I’ve gone ahead and outlined 47 essential climbing terms you need to know Nov 8, 2023 · Rock Climbing Lingo: Common Rock Climbing Slang & Terminologies. With so much rock climbing slang and funny climbing terms, it can be hard to understand anything that a climber says at first. Also known as paraclimbing, adaptive climbing makes rock climbing more accessible for people with physical disabilities. Aid climbing: Climbing where climbers can use artificial aids to progress, such as ascending fixed ropes, using etriers (ladders made of webbing) or other aids. Aug 6, 2019 · From getting route beta to finding new climbing partners, knowing a few key words in Spanish will give you a leg up over every other wandering traveler with their nose in the shared hostel guidebook. The most technically difficult section of a climb. It could be guidance on holds, body positioning, or efficient movements. Competitors are judged on how far they reach on a climb Discover the term 'belay,' its origins, usage in rock climbing and sailing, and its significance in ensuring safety for climbers. Feb 21, 2017 · Climbing, with its weird vocabulary and mathematical grading system, is complicated. Sep 26, 2023 · Ok not only is their a diversity to normal english from coast to coast but there is also a diversity to the slang in the rock climbing world. Be aware that several terms can be used as both verbs and nouns. Oct 17, 2013 · rock climb: [Cocaine] [rocks] Of all so-called "extreme sports" (activities that about 1/2 the time are undertaken, or claimed to have been undertaken, by otherwise boring people in a desperate attempt to become interesting), this is probably the trendiest way to give yourself the affectation of ruggedness, danger, physical fitness, etc. They have a close fit and a smooth, sticky rubber sole to maximize grip on the rock. Oct 17, 2013 · rock climb: [Cocaine] [rocks] 1. Instead of feeling lost in translation when you hear terms like “gaston the side-pull,” get ready to dive into the exciting world of rock climbing lingo. Z. When you are hanging around other climbers and working on similar bouldering problems, you are likely to strike up a conversation that includes some odd rock climbing terms. Confusing enough? Friction. Free climbing: Any form of climbing where the climber is not reliant on gear to progress up the wall. The technical difficulty grading system for aid climbing (both for "original" and an adapted version for "new wave"), which goes: A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and up to A6 (for "new wave"). It’s not unique to our sport. It’s the go-to choice for securing a climber’s harness to the rope, creating a strong Feb 9, 2020 · Not every term is exclusive to climbing, but all are used by climbers. I climb a lot (boulderer more than sport climber, but like them both), but don't really know how to translate the terminology, and I want to be able to translate more than just "¡Venga venga venga!" Anyone out there who has any experience climbing in Latin America or climbing terms in Spanish, your help would be greatly appreciated! Stemming is a common climbing technique on dihedral terrain. Adaptive climbing. Daily Chinese: Rock Climbing Vocabulary in Chinese! Learn Chinese with us! Sign up for a free trial class - link in bio! Follow us @thatsmandarin to learn Chinese in China with pleasure! Apr 26, 2019 · Climbing Terms: 攀岩 术语 (pānyán shùyǔ) English Chinese 中文 (pīnyīn) Rock Climbing 攀岩 (pānyán) Sport Climbing 运动攀 (yùndòng pān) Traditional Climbing 传统攀 (chuántǒng pān) Lead 先锋 (xiānfēng) Toprope : 顶绳 (dǐngshéng) Redpoint 红点 (hóngdiǎn) Bouldering Jul 15, 2011 · Beta: A [beta] is a male who, instead of being alpha and [manning up], completely bitches out. Core The muscles of the stomach, lower back and legs. 28. 2. Friction is the resistance of two surfaces moving across each other and is a crucial concept in rock climbing. When you start going outside, you’ll want the appropriate bouldering vocabulary to go with it. Dive into the unique factors—from geology to culture—that make Colorado rock climbing a distinct adventure from other places in the US. Will aid in supporting wearers feet while allowing climbers to use smaller footholds more effectively. Gear: 1) Any equipment used for rock climbing, like bolts, hangers, cams May 4, 2022 · ICE CLIMBING Ascending frozen ice by using special ice axes and crampons. Our expert guide to rock climbing terms, from equipment, moves and climbing styles to the the esoteric slang used by seasoned climbers. A A-grade Also aid climbing grade. com Free climbing is climbing with a rope to protect yourself, and climbing with only your body to get you up. Jan 10, 2021 · Aid Climbing: To ascend a rock face using only the rope, bolts, foot slings, and other pieces of gear, instead of the rock features. In an effort to make our sport even less accessible, I’ve devised the 10 terms below. A type of anchor used in abseiling especially in winter and in ice climbing. The name given to a very small or thin climbing hold. Tight fitting, rubber sole covered shoes. A rope that has a certain amount of stretch in it when force is applied. Why Colorado Rock Climbing is Unique: Geology, Altitude, and Culture. Crux: The toughest part of the climb, where strength, focus, and technique are Oct 8, 2024 · But the vocabulary is part of what makes the climbing culture so great! They use strange verbiage, enjoy wrestling funky-colored walls, and are covered in chalk 90% of the time. I’ve also tried to include pictures/images where I can. Free soloing is free climbing without a rope to protect you. From essential safety words like “belayer” (the person controlling the safety rope) to movement-based terms such as “crux” (the hardest part of a climb), these phrases form the basic language of climbing. Common climbing slang terms Woody. Here are some key terms: Beta: Helpful advice or tips for a climb. Crag A generic term for a climbing or bouldering area. Cruxes are subjective and vary from climber to climber. Much of the climbing world can, and should only be learnt through experience, for your safety and those around you. (Photo: Getty Images) Jan 4, 2024 · Most commonly used in Europe and North America, the term abseil means to descend a vertical cliff or rock face using a rope wrapped around your body and fastened to the top of the slope. Mar 16, 2020 · Climbing Lingo for Outside. SLCD Mar 23, 2018 · Whether you’re new to the sport or well versed in climbing, there may be some words you may not understand. Even if you feel like a “gumby” (inexperienced climber) on the wall, you can show other enthusiasts you’re not by using these climbing slang terms. com Jun 24, 2024 · In rock climbing, a flake is a feature of the rock that appears as a thin, detached piece standing out from the main surface, somewhat like a large chip or scale. So, take the time to learn and practice these terms, and watch as your climbing abilities improve. To fully enjoy your climbing experience, it is important to familiarize yourself with the relevant German vocabulary. Aid climbing However there might be that rock climbing term that seems to be passed around every now and then and you still wonder what it means. Aid climbing is when you use ladders, cams, slings, etc to ascend a route. https://weareexplorers. See C-grade. Beta – Beta is advice on how to complete a climb. Crux. Abseiling. krdhmjdxcxzhuewoyjnofuvvlfhzlvcdsfeauonxnwjbhglixwguahoo