Bouldering terms slang Oct 10, 2012 · Rock Climbing Lingo for Noobs. The term is typically used in Europe and Australia. com Glossary of climbing terms Aug 25, 2022 · Yosemite Decimal System– The standard grading scale in the US for free climbing routes. Part of the popularity of bouldering is due to the fact that it's being quite cheap - the only thing you gym routes are rarely if ever sandbagged, if anything it's the opposite to make it easier to feel like you're progressing going from the gym to outdoors, I can in fact say some random dudes V0 route in some remote town on mountain project with no other ascents is sandbagged and actually probably a V4 or V5 compared to a route with many ascents in Squamish Aug 2, 2022 · These range from climbing techniques, to equipment, to specific common injuries. means you've been climbing for 25+ years but can only onsight 5. In the past few decades, climbing has exploded, and a distinct climbing subculture has formed, complete with its own unique jargon. Sending a project? Probably something better left for your day job. Dec 29, 2021 · 1. I do what I can to stay abreast of climbing terms (I documented them and their origins in a book, the Climbing Dictionary), but I’m now almost two generations removed from the cutting edge of the sport—and its lingo. Free climbing: Using your hands and feet to climb up a rock face. Ape Index - The ratio of your height to armspan. No rope or protection to get in the way, just the climber battling rock with the hopes of earning some personal satisfaction (and a little admiration from bystanders). leader protected rock climbing in a non-Alpine context, wasn't actually the parent activity. Jun 28, 2023 · Formerly known as the Brooklyn Boulders in Boston though now apart of the nation-wide chain The Bouldering Project, this gym has a ripping Kilter Board for finger strength and unusually high bouldering walls to get your head in check for the outdoor top-out. May 19, 2014 · The rock climbing (5. Even though they sound similar, free climbing and free soloing are two very different things. Albert would paint a red "X" on any fixed metal pitons on a rock climbing route so that he could avoid using them while climbing, thus not using any artificial aid. Jul 18, 2022 · While there is always risk of injury while climbing, this can be minimised by following some basic rules and acting with consideration for those around you. “crag” is a term used to describe pretty much any outdoor climbing area (usually sport or trad, not so much bouldering). Feb 10, 2024 · Rock Climbing Terms You'll Hear In A Climbing Gym Indoor rock climbing has exploded in popularity over the past decade, with modern climbing gyms popping up in cities across the country. Your instructor will also explain the commonly used bouldering terms and climbing slang which will help you understand more about how to develop your climbing and things to be aware of. Mar 6, 2025 · Crimping is rock climbing slang that involves gripping small rock holds with your first pads on your fingers and applying pressure to small edges. long reaches or tiny crimps), the best way to protect the route (e. Arete – An arete is an exposed corner, sticking outward from the main wall. Climbing Terrain Terms . Beta is the climbing term that denotes specific instructions on how to successfully finish a climb. x) portion of the scale is the most common climb grading system used in the US. Traverse. This is only a guide from my experiences. It’s a way to keep climbing fun, light, and full of life. Free soloing is an extremely high-risk and advanced form of rock climbing where the climber ascends a route without any form of protection or safety equipment. Circuit Board aka Systems Board. Who is considered […] Nov 23, 2018 · The earliest type of climbing in the modern sense (as opposed to people climbing cliffs to collect bird eggs etc) was Alpine climbing, so strictly speaking what we know as trad climbing, i. These range from climbing techniques, to equipment, to specific common injuries. Jul 25, 2022 · Our guide to useful rock climbing terms Rock Climbing: A type of climbing that involves ascending rock formations, often using climbing gear such as ropes, harnesses, and anchors. I’ll add the terms here as they come in, and compile them for any upcoming additions. But mastering this vocabulary makes a real difference in climbing progress. ) When a crag looks more like a party zone than a climbing area, packed with hammocks, bluetooth speakers, and more people hanging out tanning, snacking, and gabbing than climbing. Understanding what they’re talking about can help you feel like a part of the climbing world! Pumped. Hotshot sends A Real >Tough Climb. Trad climbing is another name for traditional climbing (see Traditional Climbing). The guy went really fast, and his speaking voice was extremely soft and hard to hear. I'm doing climbing terms. Bouldering’s got its own language, a kind of secret code that binds climbers together. Sick send: An awesome climb. Mar 11, 2025 · Knowing climbing slang helps you communicate on the wall. See full list on topbouldering. A simple type of plywood wall that features a combination of either bolt-on holds or screw-on holds. The definition doesn't say that tapes were made of climbing (because they weren't), only that the two formats were in use at the time; it's important to mention that, as I also did, for the benefit of millennials and younger who weren't born when Sony's format lost the format war. Bouldering Climbing short, challenging problems without a rope on boulders that are low enough to fall from safely. “Approach” means the hike that leads to the crag or climbing area. ) Top: This term probably emerged from competition climbing, in which you “top” a boulder problem by securing the finishing hold and demonstrating control, versus controlling the lower “zone” holds en route to the top. Brush up on essential terms, phrases, and words for this form of climbing that requires the lead climber to place their own removable protection, such as nuts and camming devices, as they ascend a route. Why are There Different Terms for Climbing Moves? In analogy to bouldering this term describes climbing on buildings. Chipping - Using tools to alter or create holds. It's a very weird feeling climbing with mexicans and only knowing the terms in spanish, but climbers everywhere are very laid back. This doesn't seem to be relevant fo the climbing term. That is why we have prepared a shorter 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. Or you might try boyfriend or girlfriend to get words that can mean either one of these (e. It could be guidance on holds, body positioning, or efficient movements. Abseil —(pronounced AB-sail) To make a controlled descent on a fixed rope. I took a brief "intro to climbing" course and we went over the basics as well as several climbing/bouldering terms. Please also note that due to Aug 31, 2023 · Greetings, rock stars and crag lovers! Are you ready to boulder your way through some trivia that will leave you hanging…in suspense? This quiz is knot just any quiz—it’s designed to be a real cliffhanger! So harness your wits, chalk up your brain, and let’s get to belay-sic facts and more! 1. Deportiva - sport (climbing) en top - top roping bouldering - same as in english árness - harness zapatillas - shoes magnesio - chalk presa - climbing hold Disclaimer: Chilean spanish, which most of the time isn't Spanish. To take unfair advantage of. Sep 27, 2023 · Escalade de Paroi: In the climbing haven of Fontainebleau, France, renowned for its boulder-strewn forests, climbers may use the term “escalade de paroi. There is very little to no information that can be found about when the term ‘sandbag’ or ‘sandbagging’ was first adopted in climbing. It can be easy to be bamboozled by the seemingly impenetrable climbing-babble you sometimes hear at the crag or climbing wall. bunny ears. In Lead Climbing, the climbers and their rope start climbing from the ground-up, with no protection or safeguards above them. This is a piece of equipment used when climbing outdoors and placed under the climb in the fall zone to offer a bit more protection should you fall off. To thwart or cause to fail or be rejected, especially surreptitiously or without warning. 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. I included aid climbing even though I’ll probably never do that because I wanted to clear up the difference between free-climbing and free-soloing. A. For each one, I need: A definition An example sentence (Optional) The origin of the word Here are the terms I chose: Redpoint, while a route climbing term is somewhat regularly used on boulders, particularly in Germany, where the term originated— and there’s no logical reason to exclude it. Being pumped is a common reason climbers fall off the wall! Mar 14, 2021 · 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. In rock climbing, beta can include background information about a route's grade of difficulty (e. There will be words from activities like: Rock Climbing, mulit-pitch climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, dry-tooling, ski-touring, trekking, alpine climbing, and high altitiude climbing. Rock climbing can be a dangerous sport if you don’t know the proper safety procedures and communication can be critical to safety. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 9+, and only after an hour long safety lecture on helmtes/knotting dyneema/"half these kids don't even how to use a munter"/etc edit: non-derogatory meaning is just someone experience with trad. The term send is derived from the word ‘ascent’ which means to reach the top of a mountain. Template:CompactTOC 2nd Generation Move A concept popularised by Johnny Dawes, in which the idea is to use momentum to carry you through holds that are too poor to use statically. Glossary of climbing terms relates to rock climbing (including aid climbing, lead climbing, bouldering, and competition climbing), mountaineering, and to ice climbing. Note that most people who express an interest in rock-climbing or purchase incidental I'm Mexican but started climbing in the US. Ex: “me and the crew are headed out to the crag tomorrow”. Here are a few you might encounter: Chapa: Slang for a bolt or anchor point. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] The terms used can vary between different English-speaking countries; many of the phrases described here are particular to the United States and the United Kingdom. If you’ve ever heard climbers talk about “sending a project,” “dyno-ing to a jug,” or “crimping through the crux,” you might feel like they’re speaking another language. In the 90's, however, the growth of indoor climbing walls (often homemade) and rock climbing gyms has made bouldering popular with the urban / hip-hop crowd, transforming it - in France and UK - in a "signature" sport like skateboarding. Beginners should learn basic climbing words first. e. In slang= está papa it gets really hard up there= se pone difícil/perro allá arriba I understand literal translations like chalk = craie, but there are many terms specific to climbing plus a lot of slang which I'm struggling to translate such as spotter, belayer, rock over, mantle, flash etc. looking at rec. 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. Climbing has its own language, full of words with specific meanings that help climbers communicate quickly. And believe it or not, most of them are actually used pretty often. It can be straight, bent, locking or nonlocking. Much of the climbing world can, and should only be learnt through experience, for your safety and those around you. I can just picture Jack carefully placing his beta tape of Kansas City into his betamax recorder and subsequently showing the footage to Freeman on a 4:3 television set. The document has moved here. Mar 11, 2025 · Here’s a quick rundown of climbing slang: Sick: Really cool or impressive. 15c (currently the hardest confirmed free climb in the world). . C an be sharp or rounded. Accessory cord —Nylon, Kevlar® or Spectra® cord sold in a range of diameters, typically smaller than those of climbing ropes. Multi-pitch; Rack; Protection (pro) Camming device (cam) Nut; Runout; Trad Apr 17, 2023 · Favorite Type of Climbing: Sport & Bouldering. Oct 11, 2021 · Our comprehensive guide to rock climbing terms, from internationally accepted phrasing to the the intriguing slang used by seasoned rock jocks The search algorithm handles phrases and strings of words quite well, so for example if you want words that are related to lol and rofl you can type in lol rofl and it should give you a pile of related slang terms. Gumby is a semi-derogatory term used on beginner climbers who are not familiar with climbing safety practices due to their inexperience. See details in the blog. So I just started climbing yesterday and I absolutely fell in love. May 4, 2022 · ICE CLIMBING Ascending frozen ice by using special ice axes and crampons. Here are some key terms: Beta: Helpful advice or tips for a climb. Here’s an example: Sep 30, 2014 · Here is a list of slang words/climbing terms that I might use in this blog. Send. The information presented here does not describe all of the risks associated with climbing and is not intended to replace or supersede expert instruction and training. butterfly knot. If you’re new to climbing or hang around people who enjoy the sport, you’ve probably heard some words that make you scratch your head in confusion. Some terms are more popular or well-known compared to others just depending on who you are talking to and what type of climbing discipline you are referring to. Apr 8, 2019 · I have realised over the past couple of posts that climbing terms and slang come naturally to me now, so much so that I forget other people don’t know what I’m talking about! If you’re new to climbing, or just trying to translate a conversation you had with Gareth, you might find that this post can help! Jun 7, 2023 · The term “beta” quickly became the go-to slang for the how-to in climbing. A term commonly used in Europe and Australia. May 3, 2022 · Lead Climbing. A knot also known as lineman's loop, butterfly loop, alpine butterfly knot and lineman's rider, is a knot used to form a fixed loop in the middle of a rope. Slang and Regional Terms. Aug 28, 2024 · Bouldering, a discipline within rock climbing, has its own unique language filled with terms that every climber should know. The system follows a scale that begins at 5. climbing news group we find the entry 1995 entry: >I'm curious about the origins of the phrase "send it" that >has appeared in recent postings, such "Mr. bae). Bouldering Pad. Mar 23, 2018 · Whether you’re new to the sport or well versed in climbing, there may be some words you may not understand. Choss/Chossy - Rock that is not solid and likely to fall off under pressure. Life is so fast paced and climbing is a constant in my life; it keeps me grounded and focused. Common trad climbing terms. mountainzone. Nov 9, 2017 · Bouldering – a form of rock climbing that consists of climbing up large boulders without a rope. Shouts of encouragement: venga, dale, a la muerte, eso (es), and regional curse words (in Chile: conchatumadre). The climbing term “Send” means you finished a climbing route by topping it. Common climbing slang terms Woody. To help you learn your gaston from your guppy and your slab from your sloper, we've put Though, they do cover indoor climbing and the competition scene more comprehensively than most other outlets. Crux: The toughest part of the climb, where strength, focus, and technique are Feb 18, 2025 · What are some common climbing slang terms? Some common climbing slang terms include “beta,” which refers to advice or information about a climb, and “crux,” the hardest part of a route. Just like any other sport, climbing has its own set of slang terms and regional expressions. A vertical climb or overhang that includes many different types of holds laid out in a circular pattern so the climber can train endurance, grip work, and general technique. Anchor A piece of Gear used in a Jan 15, 2021 · The term isn’t to be confused with actually using a sandbag while belaying – commonly used in gyms when you have a heavier climber. Jul 5, 2009 · Just climbing a route without falling / resting on gear. Soloing To climb without a rope. from the “ Climbing Dictionary ” by Matt Samet, published in 2011 by The Mountaineers Books and with illustrations by Mike Tea – an illustrated historical reference to more than 650 climbing terms, for the world’s most “mega” climbing slanguage resource. Send is a pretty generic term anyway, used in skiing and other sports. If you have any other terms you would like added, let us know! Want to get into rock climbing, here are some items you need to start rock climbing for yourself. learning the beta for climbing terms. Feb 21, 2017 · Free climbing is a general term that simply means you are relying on your hands and feet -- not gear -- to ascend a wall (you are equipped with gear as a safety precaution, however). "insert a number 4 SLCD before Today, we wanted to walk you through all of the different bouldering terminology specifically for new climbers! For those that do not want to watch the video above, we have prepared a written write-up just for you. Here’s a sample of common bouldering terms: Dyno: slang for “dynamic” move. Climbing Glossary Climbing glossary A-L on climb. Aid Climbing – Ascending a wall by pulling on fixed or temporary pieces of gear rather than climbing under your own Jan 27, 2022 · Gear: 1) Any equipment used for rock climbing, like bolts, hangers, cams, belay devices, harnesses, ropes, drills, etc. Ice climbing is less popular than rock climbing, and typically more dangerous due to the unpredictable nature of ice, which can break without warning. But, as “top” spread through the climbing world, it quickly diluted into meaninglessness. Rock Climbing Words 101+ Words Related To Rock Climbing Bouldering Slang Dictionary 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. ” **Side note: if you go bouldering outdoors, you (should) bring a boulder pad so that you’re not just falling on the ground/more rocks. Merci d'avance! Jun 21, 2022 · And that is how the climbing term originated. It simply means sending, but in more than a single go. Sep 15, 2021 · Our slang is ever-evolving, which is cool. Free Soloing: Considered the most dangerous form of rock climbing, free soloing is climbing without the use of ropes, harnesses, or protective equipment. The Climbing Dictionary Climbing dictionary: English to French and Italian. Although the idea of carrying a sandbag while climbing can be akin to the added difficulty of a sandbagged climb. ” “Paroi” translates to “wall,” emphasizing the distinctive style of climbing in this region, which often involves bouldering on rock faces rather than traditional rope climbing. Jun 7, 2024 · Bouldering is hard enough as it is, but understanding bouldering terms and lingo is a challenge in itself! When I first started climbing, I remember getting confused between the names of different holds and body movements that I couldn’t follow along in every conversation. A form of rock climbing performed on rock or artificial walls without a harness. The list below will get you up to speed on all the climbing lingo you need to know! Commonly used climbing slang. Learning these terms can make your bouldering experience more enjoyable. The scale starts with the easiest grades at 5. Answer or ask questions, share information, stories, and more on themes related to the 2nd most spoken language in the world by native speakers. There are certainly some less common words that haven’t made it onto this list, but you’ll find everything you really need to know to scrub up and learn the lingo and the most common rock climbing terms. Dive in to find more words related to bouldering. Route: a pre-planned way of reaching the top of a climb. The most common example is the double-step dyno, in which higher footholds can be kicked on the way up for an extra boost. In a sense, you're “spraying” them with unwanted information. Variant: Undercut. 27. Mar 7, 2025 · Climbing has its own unique language, full of technical jargon and slang that might seem confusing at first. In addition to technical rock climbing terms, there’s lots of slang that climbers can use. The list below will get you up to speed on all the climbing lingo you need to know! Commonly used climbing slang Feb 13, 2025 · Rock climbing and bouldering come with specific terms that climbers need to know. Here is climbing jargon that can assist you Nov 23, 2004 · I'm not convinced by this as an origin for the climbing term, though. Knowing the jargon helps you communicate better with other climbers. Advanced climbers should master technical terms and grip terminology. The Basics: May 21, 2019 · In the sport climbing lingo, the words “on-sight”, “redpoint”, and “flash” all refer to successfully lead climbing a route; conversely, if you follow a lead climber while you’re on top rope then you’ve “top-roped” a route. Aug 2, 2022 · When you first start climbing you’ll probably hear a lot of unfamiliar words at the gym which don’t seem to make much sense. Typical of any sport or subculture, rock climbing has its fair share of vocabulary that may seem intimidating at first. In a climbing gym, this refers to the holds placed which are required to be used to complete Apr 4, 2017 · Here are the 50 most important rock climbing terms. Dihedral – A dihedral is a contained corner, nestled inward from the main wall. Hopefully, this is a helpful guide for learning the lingo and understanding what other climbers are talking about. A move that Bouldering Essentials is packed with clear, practical advice for everyone interested in bouldering whether a complete beginner looking to learn the basics, an indoor climber keen to start bouldering outdoors or an experienced boulderer who wants to explore advanced topics such as dynamics, strategy, tactics, training and highballing. And don’t forget to check out the book itself: 668 climbing terms, slang, and neologisms defined, with killer art by the climber and illustrator Mike Tea and input from climbers all across North America and Europe. Other terms include “send,” meaning to complete a climb successfully, and “screamer,” which describes a fall that involves a lot of slack in the Can I Start Climbing Without Knowing All These Terms? Go to the climbing gym and listen to the teenagers or early 20s climbers talk. 2) Short for “trad gear,” or protection that can be placed and removed As an amateur climber, it only makes sense to cover an interesting climbing slang: gumby. Climbing Terminology: The Words You Need to Know Ethan Ridge Feb 13, 2025 Learn all about climbing terms and slang that help you understand this exciting sport! Here you will find lot of climbing terms, mountaineering slang, glossary, dictionary and lot of information about climbing :-). Think of it as if you are blindfolded until you touch the rock! You can onsight a lead route or a boulder route. Just use your known terms and maybe ask, you'll catch up very fast and will find youserlf using a mixture in no time Aug 22, 2023 · Granite slabs are a lot harder to climb on than limestone The Gym vs The Crag. Free climbing Jul 13, 2022 · What is the origin of the word Sandbag in climbing? The term ‘sandbag’ in climbing was popularized by climbers who would imagine climbing a route with a sandbag attached to their harness. Also read. ” So you could probably guess that the column’s “18 New Climbing Slang Terms” isn’t meant to be taken seriously. Please also note that due to Apr 10, 2025 · Traditional climbing vocabulary. Back in the 80s when Betamax cassettes were used to record rock climbing. A climb that requires you to transition mostly sideways. Exposure: The distance from the climber to where the climber would likely stop in the event of an unprotected Jul 31, 2005 · In the 90's, however, the growth of indoor climbing walls (often homemade) and rock climbing gyms has made bouldering popular with the urban / hip-hop crowd, transforming it - in France and UK - in a "signature" sport like skateboarding. Often shortened to Sport. May 15, 2021 · Like all other sports, rock climbing has its own terminology and jargon. Climbing a round without a fall or hang regardless of bouldering, trad, sport or TR is what most people would refer too as a "send" - even (gasp) in the gym. Mar 2, 2023 · 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. Written by Matt Samet and illustrated by Mike Tea, the book is a new, 250-page guide to mountaineering slang, terms, neologisms, and lingo out this August. com Jun 24, 2024 · What are some Rock Climbing terms for beginners? “Anchor,” “Belay,” “Carabiner,” and “Harness” are some Rock Climbing terms beginners should start with. A glossary of terms used in bouldering and in this Wiki. S. A-D. A climber ascends an arete. 0 and is open-ended on the harder end. 2) [early 20th century] (U. Dec 13, 2022 · A large section of this might be called a cave, and these are generally found in bouldering or lead climbing areas. He is also the author of the Climbing Dictionary, a 250-page reference of climbing terms and slang. How 1990s Rifle Laid the Foundation for Hard American Sport Climbing; Chip With Honor: The Art Of Manufacturing Routes With Integrity; It’s Mine! No, It’s Mine! Discover synonyms to bouldering on The Online Slang Dictionary's urban thesaurus. General Terms in Bouldering. I'm interested in learning the Jargon personally because slang is always pretty fascinating to me (novel at the least). 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. With rock climbing growing in popularity, and reaching mainstream audiences, more terms and slang will appear, it’s only a matter of time. (Photo: Getty Images) My assignment for my linguistics class is to make a glossary of 10-20 slang or jargon words. The English term "redpoint" is a loan translation of the German Rotpunkt that was coined by Kurt Albert in the mid-1970s at Frankenjura. You’ll be sure to pick up a few things. Key Takeaway Rock Climbing an abseiling can be a technical sport – there’s plenty of abseil specific gear you need and a ton of different abseiling techniques to master. Beginner Terms Mar 18, 2025 · Climbing slang. See rappel. Other terms include “send,” meaning to complete a climb successfully, and “screamer,” which describes a fall that involves a lot of slack in the rope. Gaston: Best described as a side-pull that faces the wrong way, this is an edge/crimper that is held with the hand in a thumb-down position, making the elbow pointing up/out to the side. 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. There are unlimited slang terms that different people use in different types of climbing. what drove the grade), detailed aspects about the crux (e. May 8, 2006 · A section of a climb, or the whole thing. Whether you’re scaling sandstone, granite, or limestone, or mastering techniques like heel hooks and dynos, understanding bouldering terminology is key to improving your skills and communicating with fellow climbers. ) To intimidate, coerce, bully as by threats; cow; bulldoze. Dec 6, 2017 · Related: Unsent—10 New Slang Terms for Climbing Gear; Beach Bash (n. When I began climbing, understanding terms like “beta” and “crux” not only improved my communication with fellow climbers but also enhanced my overall climbing experience. Bouldering brings a new world of movement and mental challenges, but I bet you didn’t realise you’d be learning a new language too! Don’t stress, the basic bouldering terms are pretty easy to learn. Slang’s not just words. Feb 16, 2024 · The term “beta” quickly became the go-to slang for the how-to in climbing. Some climbing is "single-pitch", and some is "multi-pitch". As a new climber, you’re learning the beta for climbing terms Jan 5, 2023 · Matt Samet is a freelance writer and editor based in Boulder, Colorado. As you continue your Being a newbie can be overwhelming. Beta spray or beta spraying is when a person shares their climbing knowledge, techniques, or experience with someone who did not ask for their advice. Invented, as the name suggests, to grade routes in the Yosemite Valley, CA. Ethan Ridge Feb 22, 2025 Learn advanced climbing terms to improve your skills and enjoy climbing with friends while staying safe. Types of Beta. Favorite Climbing Area: Red Wing, MN (Great views!) What I Love About Climbing: I quite enjoy that climbing is both mentally stimulating (problem solving) and physically challenging (a great workout). Free soloing: Free climbing a route without the safety of a rope. In this list, we will explore some of the most common rock climbing terms and phrases used in the sport. Feb 27, 2025 · Advanced Climbing Terms: Climb Higher with Understanding. Don’t be confused by the name: They’ve got lead climbing and top rope, too. I felt like I was listening to a different language! There is an inordinate amount of terms related to climbing. Both versions require a good belay at the top; multi-pitch routes require good belays between pitches. Oct 5, 2023 · 30 Must-Know Rock Climbing Terms, Phrases and Slang Rev Nisay June 24, 2024 September 26, 2024 | Get ready to scale new heights with the lingo that’ll make you a rock climbing insider! Understanding these grading systems can help you choose routes that match your skill level and ensure a safe and enjoyable climbing experience. 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. To help make the world of bouldering more inclusive we've put together a glossary of climbing terms that might come in useful the next time your surrounded by Substation natives. Bouldering Essentials is packed with clear, practical advice for everyone interested in bouldering whether a complete beginner looking to learn the basics, an indoor climber keen to start bouldering outdoors or an experienced boulderer who wants to explore advanced topics such as dynamics, strategy, tactics, training and highballing. Buildering: Climbing buildings or urban structures. REALLY not good climbing style. It makes about as much sense to me to say “Let’s go” to a friend I’m Jul 24, 2023 · Sport Climbing: Sport climbing is a form of rock climbing where permanent anchors are already in place, allowing climbers to clip their ropes into these anchors for protection as they ascend. The climber places protection (small, removable anchors) in rock features as they climb (traditional leading), or uses permanent bolts already in the rock (sport leading). Jan 5, 2023 · Matt Samet is a freelance writer and editor based in Boulder, Colorado. The top five slang terms for "bouldering" are: dribble, rocket jump, tranny, Jogging, skills. TYPES OF CLIMBING BOULDERING Bouldering is the most straight forward and most accessible… Bouldering Basics. Approach: The approach is the hike to the boulders, often more challenging than expected. With gravity working directly against you, climbing a roof requires a lot of strength and endurance. 6 days ago · of course, Climbing is probably somewhat behind the times at least in terms of climbing slang. In a much anticipated (by my cousin Natalie), and lengthy (16 minutes!!) video, I explain the 35 most commonly used bouldering terms (in my opinion) that you Jun 16, 2022 · The most common term used in climbing is ‘send’. Familiarity with climbing terms and slang is more than just learning a new vocabulary; it’s about becoming an integrated member of the climbing community. Moved Permanently. 0 (the easiest climbing, sometimes referred to as “a ladder”) and 5. Edging: A rock climbing technique where the edges of the climbing shoes are used to stand on small footholds. How 1990s Rifle Laid the Foundation for Hard American Sport Climbing; Chip With Honor: The Art Of Manufacturing Routes With Integrity; It’s Mine! No, It’s Mine! Feb 22, 2025 · The terms might seem strange at first – a mix of technical jargon and casual slang that’s grown over decades of climbing culture. An ice climber using crampons on his feet and ice axes in his hands to ascent the inside of a glacier. We’ll have you speaking boulderer in no time. Feb 9, 2020 · Not every term is exclusive to climbing, but all are used by climbers. Climber Jack Mileski was a prominent climber from Texas who spent a ton of time in the Shawangunks (the Gunks) of New York. That definition is saying the same thing. Highball bouldering Boulder problems that take the climbing higher than normal bouldering height and into the fear zone. Jan 4, 2024 · Photo by Vincenzo Di Giorgi on Unsplash Free soloing. Like auf geht's isn't directly come on, nor is allez or venga, but if you ever seen a North American bouldering video, you'll certainly have seen the crowd of spotters yelling "come on!" and would know your languages equivalent. Bouldering Terms . As a result there is plenty of jargon associated with it and abseiling definitions can seem very complicated to the uninitiated: From anchors and beeners to protection and loading. Be aware that several terms can be used as both verbs and nouns. Undercling refers to any hold used by turning your palm upside-down, as if receiving alms, and walking the feet up. People also use “redpoint crux” in boulders. 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. "you need to use your left hand, not your right"), the climbing style needed (e. As a beginner stepping into one of these gyms for the first time, you'll likely hear climbers tossing around terms that sound like a foreign language if you've sport climbing= escalada deportiva routes= rutas boulder problems= rutas de boulder (búlder) it's a hard route= ¡es una ruta difícil! In Slang= ¡es una ruta muy perra! it's an easy route= es una ruta sencilla. This is the biggest Reddit community dedicated to discussing, teaching, and learning Spanish. May 15, 2008 · Bouldering problems tend to have names as obscure as racehorses-“Grotesque Old Woman,” “Martini Madness,” and “The Dancing Outlaw” spring to mind-and the list of technical and slang terms used by those in the know is virtually endless. So you can send on top rope. Agreed. Most of it is pretty funny and doesn’t effect your actual climbing experience at all. And video was available in the 2 formats back then. Undercling. Rock Climbing These are the Rock Climbing Terms, Definitions, Slang and other words currently stored in our Rock Climbing Dictionary. Oct 17, 2013 · 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. It requires precise finger strength and control Jan 10, 2021 · Home - Climb - A Guide to Rock Climbing Terms and Jargon. Whether you’re at the gym or the crag, it’s the language of stoke. ROCK CLIMBING TERMS. Flashing a route? Sounds inappropriate. What does Send mean in climbing? Let’s take a look… What does ‘send’ mean in climbing? Send is a climbing term used to describe a successful ascent of a route or boulder. As there is climbing an international sport that can be practiced in almost every country where there is at least one bigger stone, it is relatively difficult to know some terms or to translate them directly into the mother tongue. Feb 18, 2025 · Some common climbing slang terms include “beta,” which refers to advice or information about a climb, and “crux,” the hardest part of a route. PINKPOINT. Example use: “I don’t want to go bouldering because I’m scared to break my ankles. Bouldering is rock climbing with no strings attached, literally. Feb 15, 2025 · Bouldering has specific terms for techniques, holds, and grading systems. Rock climbing has a language of its own. " I gather that this means a successful There are a lot of terms specific to climbing. By contrast, smearing applies as much of the sole of the climbing shoe as possible to a rock slab to achieve maximum friction. Final Thoughts. They are the basics of safety and equipment handling in climbing. Feb 25, 2025 · Climbing Slang. If you’ve been to the rock gym once or twice already, you know that climbers have quite colorful vocabularies. The term ‘beta’ comes from ‘Betamax’, the most common video format in the 1980’s before VHS took over. These are only some of the terms you’ll use in the rock climbing community. Part of the popularity of bouldering is due to the fact that it's being quite cheap - the only thing you Oct 3, 2023 · The climbing world is full of wacky words and phrases, many unknown even to long-time climbers. Typically a relatively short sequence ascending vertically or traversing sideways. g. Climbing in a gym can give a false perception of grades. The search algorithm handles phrases and strings of words quite well, so for example if you want words that are related to lol and rofl you can type in lol rofl and it should give you a pile of related slang terms. Sep 24, 2024 · Origins of climbing beta. Keep reading to decode the essential climbing terms every climber needs to know. Less common are 2nd gen hand Feb 16, 2022 · Trad Climbing. The magazine often has more commentary and satire than others, particularly the column “Unsent. Gate - The spring-loaded opening on a carabiner. Aug 15, 2011 · In conjunction with The Mountaineers Books, Climbing will be offering one climbing-word definition a day over the next three weeks, using terms pulled from the Climbing Dictionary. Apr 11, 2014 · Here you will find lot of climbing terms, mountaineering slang, glossary, dictionary and lot of information about climbing :-). To the dismay of some, I did not include anything about alpinism or ice climbing because I will never do those things. Abseil – See Rappel. Like many activities, climbing has a language of its own with terms to describe sub-genres of the sport, body movements, ways of holding on to the rock and styles of ascent. Dec 8, 2023 · Climbing Slang. Some folk love to use bouldering jargon that can feel awkward to ask about if you don't know it. 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. The controlled environment, color-coded routes, and artificial holds can make indoor climbing seem easier than its outdoor counterpart. May 23, 2020 · 100 Rock Climbing Terms for Beginners. Bouldering. An outdated term used to describe a redpoint ascent where the quickdraws Sport climbing Climbing on routes which use bolts. A double figure of eight loop often used to clip into anchors with 2 carabiners. Here are the basic climbing terms to get you going, in alphabetical order: 1 Also, you can check out this sweet Wikipedia article on climbing words. Please also note that due to CLIMBING TERMINIOLOGY Climbing is dangerous, it involves inherent and other risks and cannot be made safe. What is an onsight in climbing? Onsight means climbing a route without any information or practice before climbing. Arete- The corner of a rock face. Mileski was "Betaboy". Climbing has its own set of terms and slang and we’re breaking down some of the essential terms for you in this handy glossary. If you are beginning to get into the absolutely wonderful world of rock climbing, there is a slight chance that you have encountered a few terms that left you scratching your bucket head. Gardening - Slang term used to describe the removal of vegetation while climbing. rdw lwufw ckn ftua rpwbm cch qovc vnsu mjldb svj mtkxxp vbw cxnv lsd gkub