Bouldering lingo . See our list for outside climbing terms: Choss: Something that gets in the way of a clean rock Mar 11, 2025 · Slang adds color to climbing conversations. 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. It’s not just about the moves or the grades—it’s about the vibe. Traverse A problem that travels predominantly sideways. Mar 16, 2020 · Climbing Lingo for Outside. Here’s a quick rundown of climbing slang: Sick: Really cool or impressive. 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. 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 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 Trad Climbing Climbing a route protected by gear that has been placed by the leader. Training Board A small, steep wooden climbing wall (AKA woodie). Sick send: An awesome climb. Of course, most of the terms used already can also be used, but the following ones are usually reserved for the outside arena. Tufas A limestone rib. Turning the Lip The process of getting from hanging from the lip of a roof to standing on the lip. I felt like I was listening to a different language! Aug 28, 2024 · Bouldering, a discipline within rock climbing, has its own unique language filled with terms that every climber should know. When you start going outside, you’ll want the appropriate bouldering vocabulary to go with it. It’s about laughing over a tough problem, cheering on a friend, or just sharing the love of the sport.