Climbing Dictionary

Introduction

In this hilarious yet authoritative illustrated lexicon of climbing terms and slang, former Climbing Editor-in-ChiefMatt Samet has compiled a reference of more than 650 terms used by climbers and mountaineers around the world.

The Climbing Dictionary runs the gamut from technical terms (belay, harness, rappel, Stopper) to slang (dab, choking the cobra, gaston, old dad, pimpy), to regional (such as the South’s “baby-butt” slopers), antiquated (“press-up”), and foreign terms that have achieved universal usage (au cheval, colonnette) and much more.

Each word’s definition includes its part of speech, origin (if known), its meaning, and a humorous but factually sound example sentence to demonstrate usage. Throughout the dictionary, Mike Tea’s illustrations — both technical and humorous — help explain harder-to-define terms such as piton, sling, cam, hand jam, or drop-knee.

Sure to become the reference — or even the sicktionary — for novice climbers and expert mountaineers alike.

Are you obsessed with “climbing-ese”? Know a term, back-story, or phrase that didn’t make the book? Connect with Matt on climbingterms.com and check out newly submitted terms, submit your very own, and stay up to date on all things the Climbing Dictionary. While you’re at it, be sure and”like” the Climbing Dictionary on Facebook, and follow Matt on Twitter.