Rock climbing slang Dec 6, 2017 · Like a parent snooping on her teenager’s text messages, climbing slang sounds like utter nonsense to outsiders. Oct 3, 2023 · The climbing world is full of wacky words and phrases, many unknown even to long-time climbers. Rock climbing is a climbing sports discipline that involves ascending In rock climbing, the term "style" principally refers to whether the climber used any May 23, 2020 · 100 Rock Climbing Terms for Beginners. Not every route has a distinct crux, and some routes have multiple cruxes. 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. This week, many of climbing's best will compete in Utah. Aid climbing is when you use ladders, cams, slings, etc to ascend a route. Aid climbing 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. Common climbing slang terms Woody. 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. 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. If you commonly fall during your send attempts, you may be a chuffer. Aid Climbing: using gear to assist in climbing, rather than protection only. Crux: The toughest part of the climb, where strength, focus, and technique are 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. ROCK CLIMBING TERMS. I A handy tool for safety and balance, having a pick/adze head and a spike at the opposite end of a shaft. Mar 16, 2020 · Other Rock Climbing Terms – Types of Moves. Aug 2, 2024 · The experience of rock climbing is pretty unique, as is the slang that describes aspects of the experience. The term has since spread to other extreme sports, including snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and skateboarding. Note that most people who express an interest in rock Free climbing is climbing with a rope to protect yourself, and climbing with only your body to get you up. 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 Mar 23, 2018 · Whether you’re new to the sport or well versed in climbing, there may be some words you may not understand. Free climbing is a general term that simply means you are relying on your hands and feet -- not Dyno – A slang term for a dynamic move from one rock climbing hold to another. Dec 13, 2022 · A large section of this might be called a cave, and these are generally found in bouldering or lead climbing areas. Feb 25, 2025 · Climbing Slang. But does rock climbing have enough slang? Until “climber speak” is so dense that it’s listed as its own 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. The term “send it” refers to performing a run cleanly and flawlessly. Rock Climbing Slang : Let’s Start With The Basics May 4, 2022 · ICE CLIMBING Ascending frozen ice by using special ice axes and crampons. 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. Think of it as if you are blindfolded until you touch the rock! You can onsight a lead route or a boulder route. Buildering: Climbing buildings or urban structures. (Photo: Getty Images) Oct 10, 2012 · Rock Climbing Lingo for Noobs. Feb 21, 2017 · An Intro to Rock Climbing Terminology. A rock climbing term that means someone has executed a clean run, without falling or slipping. 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. With so much rock climbing slang and funny climbing terms, it can be hard to understand anything that a climber says at first. In this list, we will explore some of the most common rock climbing terms and phrases used in the sport. 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. It could be guidance on holds, body positioning, or efficient movements. Although the idea of carrying a sandbag while climbing can be akin to the added difficulty of a sandbagged climb. May Feb 16, 2022 · As with all sports, there is a lot of jargon being used in rock climbing. . 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 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. n. Mar 11, 2021 · Buy Send It Rock Climbing Slang Design T-Shirt: Shop top fashion brands T-Shirts at Amazon. An ice climber using crampons on his feet and ice axes in his hands to ascent the inside of a glacier. Rock climbing requires a lot of equipment from Grir’s to cams and knowing the names to all of this equipment is the first step to being able to use it. 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. 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. They have a close fit and a smooth, sticky rubber sole to maximize grip on the rock. Can be in the form of quickdraws on bolts to make a top rope anchor, accessory cord, or equipment placed anywhere on a route. e. Take this post about gumby rock climbing with a grain of salt. A simple type of plywood wall that features a combination of either bolt-on holds or screw-on holds. Confusing enough? Friction. Any doubts? Please ask in the comments section. The Sharp End – slang for leading the climb. To do the movement described above. Here are the basic climbing terms 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. Free soloing is free climbing without a rope to protect you. Mar 14, 2021 · Common Rock Climbing Terminology Explained. Final Thoughts. Glossary of climbing terms relates to rock climbing (including aid climbing, lead climbing, bouldering, and competition climbing), mountaineering, and to ice climbing. Cruxes are subjective and vary from climber to climber. In addition to technical rock climbing terms, there’s lots of slang that climbers can use. 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. A sports slang term that essentially means "do it without thinking". Its focus can be pretty alpine-heavy, so it isn’t always easily navigable for new-to-the-sport gym climbers. com 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. Yet there’s scant evidence that they used the actual term. https://weareexplorers. 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. Adaptive climbing. Crag A generic term for a climbing or bouldering area. It’s a way of encouraging someone to push their limits and go What is an onsight in climbing? Onsight means climbing a route without any information or practice before climbing. Free Climbing: climbing using only natural rock features and holds, but with gear for protection in case of a fall. Mar 11, 2025 · Here’s a quick rundown of climbing slang: Sick: Really cool or impressive. Understanding what they’re talking about can help you feel like a part of the climbing world! Pumped. Deadpoint. Aid Climbing – Ascending a wall by pulling on fixed or temporary pieces of gear rather than climbing under your own 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. I took a brief "intro to climbing" course and we went over the basics as well as several climbing/bouldering terms. Core The muscles of the stomach, lower back and legs. This side of the language is more laid back. Slang’s not just words. Rock climbing has a language of its own. Plus, knowing the slang can make climbing feel more fun and engaging. Being pumped is a common reason climbers fall off the wall! Apr 6, 2018 · Enticer’s send it comes from the rock-climbing slang, send, a run in which a climber completes a route without falling or resting. Note that this thesaurus is not in any way affiliated with Urban Aug 2, 2019 · In Valley Uprising, a documentary about the early days of Yosemite rock climbing, Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard gleefully says, “of course, we were all dirtbags,” referring to a band of pioneering rock climbers in the Yosemite Valley in the early 1960s. A longtime presence in the climbing world, Rock and Ice focuses on outdoor climbing on–you guessed it–rock and ice. Why Colorado Rock Climbing is Unique: Geology, Altitude, and Culture. While knowing rock climbing terms is not necessarily essential, it helps you better appreciate the sport and better ensure everyone’s safety by learning the right names for various climbing gear and actions. The term is often used in contrast with a "bump", to clarify how to approach the next hold. Other types of rock climbing terms that boulderers use are in relation to movements, or types of moves they should be engaging in. 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. References. The climbing term “Send” means you finished a climbing route by topping it. It can make discussions about routes and techniques easier, and it helps you feel more connected to the community. A term used interchangeably with rappelling, mainly in the UK and European countries. And it is also why my name is called the amateur climber as well. May 19, 2014 · The term hueco entered the jargon of rock climbers from the Texas climbing area Hueco Tanks that is famous for this sort of hold. A movement where the hand (or foot) horizontally passes the other hand (or foot). Jun 21, 2022 · And that is how the climbing term originated. Friction is the resistance of two surfaces moving across each other and is a crucial concept in rock climbing. 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. With gravity working directly against you, climbing a roof requires a lot of strength and endurance. 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 So I just started climbing yesterday and I absolutely fell in love. 27. Free Soloing: climbing without any ropes or protection. Back in the 80s when Betamax cassettes were used to record rock climbing. Corner A feature formed where two planes meet at roughly right angles (AKA dihedral). 2. Simul-Climbing: two climbers moving simultaneously with the rope running between them for protection. Gear: 1) Any equipment used for rock climbing, like bolts, hangers, cams 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. These indexes are then used to find usage correlations between slang terms. Belay Aug 2, 2022 · The list below will get you up to speed on all the climbing lingo you need to know! Commonly used climbing slang. Ice climbing is less popular than rock climbing, and typically more dangerous due to the unpredictable nature of ice, which can break without warning. Dec 8, 2023 · Climbing Slang. Often used while climbing large cracks. In the past few decades, climbing has exploded, and a distinct climbing subculture has formed, complete with its own unique jargon. Bumbly: a novice or incompetent climber. The official Urban Dictionary API is used to show the hover-definitions. Example use: “Alright, Emily, time for Jan 22, 2007 · Then twist the foot horizontally, so that it creates a sold jam by camming against both sides of the rock. Climbing: The act of ascending vertical or near-vertical natural rock formations or artificial rock walls. Chicken Heads are pieces of rock that are narrow at the base and wide at the top (that stick out from the May 3, 2022 · The hardest section or section of a rock climbing route is the crux. Climbing Culture Terms . Cheese grater: the unfortunate effect of a fall on slabby terrain. Stemming is a common climbing technique on dihedral terrain. 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. ("Should I cross with my left hand, or bump with my right?") v. Two climbers exchange beta for a climb. (Photo: Getty Images) May 12, 2023 · Climbing slang. A dyno requires explosive movement which often means that during the leap or lunge, the climber won’t be touching the rock at all. The [extreme sport] of climbing large rocks, or [cliffs]. 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. T-rex from [Orgazmo]) n. Beta – Beta is advice on how to complete a climb. Typical of any sport or subculture, rock climbing has its fair share of vocabulary that may seem intimidating at first. 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. Whether you’re at the gym or the crag, it’s the language of stoke. Crux: the most technically demanding section of a climb. Climbing Gym: An indoor facility equipped with artificial rock walls designed for climbing. Here are some key terms: Beta: Helpful advice or tips for a climb. Began seeing use in the late 1990s. Send. Aug 4, 2021 · Though this article will dabble in the jargon of climbing as well as the rock climbing slang, certain terms for technical equipment and techniques have been intentionally left out. At the end of the day yes it’s important to be clear how you sent a route – but the main thing is that you have fun . Understanding the lingo can help make the sport feel more approachable, but it is also essential to your safety in many situations. Much of the climbing world can, and should only be learnt through experience, for your safety and those around you. Climbing Shoes: Specialized footwear designed for rock climbing. Gumby: a derogatory term for a new climber. Abseil – See Rappel. com FREE DELIVERY and Returns possible on eligible purchases Military slang expression for "fire the shot". 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. Surfers, skateboarders, and (probably) standup paddleboard yogis all have their jargon. In Rock Climbing this term is used to describe a sharp vertical edge that is created when two walls intersect (in a V). The guy went really fast, and his speaking voice was extremely soft and hard to hear. 1. The second side of the language is the equipment terminology and rock climbing slang. A term commonly used in Europe and Australia. There are unlimited slang terms that different people use in different types of climbing. The extreme sport of fucking extremely fat chicks (i. Mar 22, 2021 · From our onsight article: “climbing onsight means climbing a route ‘clean’ in one go without getting beta or taking a good look at it before trying it“. Anchor: A point of attachment for the climbing rope. [ 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. Note, dyno could be added here, as well as some other terms higher up. Usually, these terms will be used when you are asking how to complete a problem. In Mountaineering this term is often used to describe a sharp mountain ridge. Or still are. May 22, 2025 · It’s a slang term that originated in the rock-climbing community in the early 1990s. Well in this article I’ve got a list of 217 terms used when rock climbing including their definitions. If you’ve been to the rock gym once or twice already, you know that climbers have quite colorful vocabularies. Speaking like a rock climber can be even harder. Also known as paraclimbing, adaptive climbing makes rock climbing more accessible for people with physical disabilities. Outdoors, this refers to a specific path up the rock or mountain. 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. Nov 8, 2023 · Rock Climbing Lingo: Common Rock Climbing Slang & Terminologies. Opposite of free climbing. Understanding climbing slang helps you communicate effectively with other climbers and enhances your climbing experience. Climbing has its own language, full of words with specific meanings that help climbers communicate quickly. Chicken Head- Normally found in Granite. Beginner Terms Nov 9, 2017 · Rock climbing is hard. Basically any time you use something other than your own body strength and technique. See full list on rei. Sick send: An awesome climb. The term—said to originate in climbing slang in the 1990s and possibly inspired by the notion of sending as “delivering” on a promise—spread to snowboarding, skiing, mountain-biking, and skateboarding. In a climbing gym, this refers to the holds placed which are required to be used to complete the climb. The Urban Thesaurus was created by indexing millions of different slang terms which are defined on sites like Urban Dictionary. Dive into the unique factors—from geology to culture—that make Colorado rock climbing a distinct adventure from other places in the US. It requires precise finger strength and control 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. May 4, 2022 · ICE CLIMBING Ascending frozen ice by using special ice axes and crampons. Foot Stacking-Both feet are used to create a larger foot placement than one foot could create. The apex of the body trajectory in a dynamic movement means you've been climbing for 25+ years but can only onsight 5. But, once you start to get vertical outside, it is a reliable and useful source. co Jan 27, 2022 · Chuff: General term for failing to send a climb. Heel Hook- A heel hook is typically used to offer a 'third hand' by providing a very high foot placement Rock Climbing: 1. I’ve also tried to include pictures/images where I can. Feb 9, 2020 · Not every term is exclusive to climbing, but all are used by climbers. Abseiling. In certain parts of Asia, we often refer to gumbies climbing as newbie or noob climbers. It’s not unique to our sport. It’s a way to keep climbing fun, light, and full of life. Route: a pre-planned way of reaching the top of a climb. Be aware that several terms can be used as both verbs and nouns. It does get on my nerves when I see gumby rock climbing but the one thing we must all remember: we were once them. nvwuu zkscjkj cwdwno sghvu kfahh zsev ttzu iltd zru tshalwd