Indonesia Mountain - CARSTENSZ PYRAMID

CARSTENSZ PYRAMID 4,884 metres / 16,023 feet – as one of the world’s seven summit become unreasonable to climb

Location : West Papua Province, Indonesia
Range : Sudirman Mountains
Coordinates : 4°5′S 137°11′ECoordinates: 4°5′S 137°11′E

Puncak Jaya, sometimes called Mount Carstensz or the Carstensz Pyramid, is the highest mountain on the island of New Guinea, on the Australia-New Guinea continent and in Oceania. It is the highest point between the Himalaya and the Andes and the highest island peak in the world. The peak is located in what is variously called the Sudirman Range or the Dugunduguoo, in the western central highlands of Papua, the Indonesian western half of the island, and is the highest peak in the country.

HISTORY
Puncak Jaya was originally called ‘Carstensz Pyramid’, after Dutch explorer Jan Carstensz who first sighted the glaciers on the peak of the mountain on a rare clear day in 1623 (Carstensz was ridiculed in Europe when he said he had seen snow near the equator). This name is still used among mountaineers. Although the snowfield of Puncak Jaya was reached as early as 1909 by a Dutch explorer, Hendrik A. Lorentz, the peak was not climbed until 1962, by an expedition led by the Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer (of Seven Years in Tibet fame) with three friends, Temple, Kippax and Huizenga.

PERMIT AND ACCESS
As you visit Irian Jaya, you will be requested a police permit or in bahasa “Surat Jalan / Travelling Permit”. Please provide 2 photographs, 4 x 6 size, with red background and a copy of passport when you register the expedition.

Our Expedition Trip offers two route options of the Carstensz Pyramid Expedition program: first, trekking route crossing rainforest from Sugapa/Bilogai and second, by private helicopter from Nabire directly to Base Camp Danau – Danau valley.
From : indonesiamountainguides.com

Climbing Dictionary R to Z

R 
Rack
The climbing gear carried during an ascent. 
(d) Materialsortiment, (f) matériel / matos, (i) equipaggiomento / assortimento di materiale, (e) bandolera / bandola, (s) racka / utrustning, (pl) sprzet / spej
Rack, to
To sort the rack before engaging on the next climb or pitch.
Rad
Not trad. Slang for sport climbing. 
Rally, to
To climb exceptionally well, especially on normally difficult climbs. 
(f) randonner
Ramp
An ascending ledge
(d) Rampe 
Rappel, to
Also: to rap. Descending by sliding down a rope. Known in Britain (and Germany) as abseiling.
(d) Abseilen, (f) Descendre en rappel, (nl) Afdalen/abseilen (i) Calare (in corda doppia), (e) Rapelear, (s) Fira, (pl) Zjezdzac
Rappeler
Individual who enjoys sliding down ropes instead of climbing up rocks. The second-lowest form of life on earth (second only to the touron)
Rating
A number denoting the technical difficulty of the climb. See here for more on ratings and grades. 
(d) Schwierigkeitsgrat, (f) Cotation
R.D.S.
Rapid Deceleration Syndrome. Military term for the very sudden illness that happens at the end of a long fall.
Redpoint
To lead a climb without falling or dogging after a number of attempts. This is different from onsight, where the climb is lead without falling or dogging on its first attempt. 
(d) Rotpunkt, (f) Enchaîner, (i) Arrampicare in libera, (pl) RP
Resin
An alternative to chalk. Resin (or "pine tree resin" to use its full name) is made from the yucky stuff that sticks to your hands when you touch a pine tree. Because resin is mostly colorless, it is preferred to chalk in some areas. But caution: Don't let the color fool you. Resin can do permanent damage to the rock and in fact is not allowed anywhere in the US for that reason.
(d) Pof, (f) pof, (nl) pof, (i) resina, (e) resina, (s) harts, (pl) zywica
Resident protection
Fixed pro.
Rib
A slender buttress. Something between a buttress and an outside corner. 
Ridge
The high divide extending out from a peak. 
(d) Grat (extending normally from one peak) / Kamm (connecting several peaks), (f) Crête (small) or chaîne (large)
Ring
A large (2 inch diameter) ring that is cemented in the rock as a bolt. Rings are very common in Germany and France and are excellent for rappelling and hanging belays.
(d) Ring, (f) Scellement, (nl) Ring, (i) Anello da calata, (s) Ringbult, (pl) Ring
"Rock"
Scream let out to warn people down below that a piece of rock has been overcome by gravity. The loudness, number of repetitions, and/or panic in voice with which this word is uttered is often an indication of the seriousness of the rock. In the UK, you're more likely to hear "Below", beware! 
(d) "Stein", (f) "Pierre" / "Caillou", (i) "Sasso", (e) "Piedra", (s) "Sten", (pl) "Kamien" 
Roof
Seriously overhanging part in a climb (more or less horizontal). 
(d) Dach, (f) toit/plafond, (nl) dak, (i) tetto, (e) techo, (s) tak, (pl) dach / okap
Rope
Long and round nylon fabrication. Climbing ropes are generally between 10 and 11 mm in diameter (with the exception of "half ropes" which are between 8.5 and 9mm in diameter). 
(d) Seil, (f) corde, (nl) touw, (i) corda, (e) cuerda, (s) rep, (pl) lina, (sl) lano
"Rope"
Should be yelled when a rope is about to be thrown to the base of the crag (though most of the time it seems like "rope" is shouted about 1-2 seconds after the rope is thrown). In the UK, shout "Rope below". 
(d) "Seil", (f) "Corde", (nl) "Touw", (i) "Corda", (e) "Cuerda", (e-argentina) "va cuerda", (s) "Rep", (pl) "Uwaga lina" 
Route
A certain path up a rock or mountain. 
(d) Tour, (f) voie, (nl) route, (i) via, (e) ruta, (s) led, (pl) droga, (sl) cesta
Runner
A loop of tape or webbing either sewn or tied (Aka sling, especially in the UK). In the UK, a 'runner' is a running belay.
(d) Schlinge, (f) Sangle, (i) Anello, (e) Anilla, (s) Slinga, (pl) Talma ?, (pl) Petla
Runner
A runner threaded or looped around chockstones, flakes, horns or chickenheads for protection. 
(d) Zackenschlinge 
Runout
Distance between two elements of pro. A route is "runout" when the distance between those two elements of pro becomes uncomfortably long. 
(d) Abstand zwischen 2 Sicherungspunkten, (f) (Une voie est) Engagée, (i) Via protetta lunga, (e) Ruta poco protegida, (pl) Odleglosc miedzy punktami asekuracji 
 
S 
Saddle
A high pass that looks somewhat like the horsewear. Not quite as steep as a col. 
(d) Sattel, (pl) siodlo
"Safe"
The British equivalent of "Off Belay". 
(d) "Stand", (f) "Relais" / "Vâché", (nl) "Stand", (i) "Posto" / "Molla", (e) "Libre", (s) "Lägg av", (pl) "Mam auto" 
Schwag
Terrible rock conditions.
Scrambling
Easy climbing, usually unroped. 
(d) Kraxeln, (f) Escalade facile, (e) Trepar, (s) Lätt Klättring 
Screamer
A very, very long fall. 
(f) Méga-plomb, (i) Mina / Randa, (pl) Dlugi lot 
Screamer
Special piece of equipment meant to reduce the impact of a screamer (the fall) on the belay system. 
(i) Dissipatore 
Scree
Loose rocks and stones that cover the slope below a cliff. With every step, scree slides under your feet. 
(d) Geröll, (f) éboulis / caillasse, (pl) piarg
Screwgate
The type of karabiner that can be locked with a screw. See also twistlock. In the US this is usually called a 'locking biner'. 
Scrube
A hammer-in, screw-out type of ice screw.
Second
The climber who follows the leader. See also following. 
(d) Nachsteiger, (f) Second, (i) Secondo, (e) Segundo, (pl) Drugi na linie
Send, to
To climb a route with ease. "I'm gonna send this route, dude!" 
Serac
A block or tower of ice on a steep glacier or in an ice fall. Since seracs are created by the force of gravity working on the glacier or ice fall, they can come down at any moment.
(pl) serak
Sewing-machine leg or arm
A leg (or arm) under tension that suddenly starts jerking up and down like a sewing machine. Stretch the muscle, take a deep breath, and don't think of falling... (see also: to Elvis or the death wobbles). 
(d) Nähmaschine, (s) Symaskin, (pl) Telegraf
Sewn-up
When so much gear is on a trad route that it looks like it has been sewn shut.
Sharp end
The end of the rope to which the leader is attached. 
SH** !
Often heard during a fall... (Well educated climbers in the UK sometimes say "sugar" - but only if they're not in too much trouble). 
(d) Scheisse !, (f) Merde!, (f-c) "Chite!", (nl) Shit!, (i) "Merda!", (e) Mierda!, (s) Djävlar!, (pl) Cholera / Kurcze / Kurde
Short roping
Technique where both climbers are tied close together into the middle of the rope. The rest of the rope is then carried over the shoulders in a coil. Frequently used for simul-climbing. The term (and technique?) is used frequently in the Canadian Rockies. 
(d) am kurzen (or: verkürzten) Seil gehen, (f) faire des anneaux de corde, les anneaux á la main. 
Short roping
Belaying technique where the belayer keeps the leader under tension in an attempt reduce the length of a fall. 
Side pull
A hand hold that needs to be held with a horizontal (sideways) pull. 
(d) Piaz-Griff / Seitgriff, (f) Prise verticale, (i) Maniglia rovescia, (s) Sidotag / Sidogrepp, (pl) Odciag
Sit start
To start a bouldering problem from a sitting position. See also 'Yabo Start'.
Sierra wave
A lenticular cloud found mostly in the Sierras, but known to be forebode of bad weather in the Mont Blanc area.
(f) Âne
Sketch pad
A cushion used for bouldering.
Skyhook
A particular type of hook used for aid climbing
(f) Crochet à goutte d'eau
Slab
Flat and seemingly featureless, not quite vertical piece of rock. 
(d) Platte, (f) Dalle, (nl) Plaat, (i) Lastra / Lastrone / Placca, (e) Laja, (s) Sva / Platta, (pl) pologa plyta
"Slack"
Yelled when the climber needs more rope (e.g. to clip into protection). 
(d) "Seil", (f) "Du mou", (nl) "Touw", (i) "Corda" ("Lasco"), (e) "Cuerda", (s) "Slacka", (pl) "Luz"
Sling
What the Americans call a runner.
Slingshot
A toprope setup where the belayer belays on the ground (where the climber starts climbing) and the rope is pre-clipped through the anchor at the top of the climb. In the UK, top-roping or bottom-roping (depends where the belayer stands).
Sloper
Pathetic downward slanting hold. (Usually look like buckets from below.)
(d) (Abschüssiger) Aufleger, (f) Prise fuyante, (i) Appiglio spiovente 
Smearing
Foot technique where a big part of the climbing shoe is used to generate as much friction as possible. The opposite of edging. 
(d) auf Reibung stehen, (f) grimper en adhérence, (i) aderenza, (e) fricción, (s) smeara, (pl) wspinanie na tarcie 
Snaplink
A truly British word for a karabiner. 
Softman / softwoman
A former hardman/woman who can accomplish climbs of epic proportion in comfortable style. Always has the warmest jacket, the biggest sleeping pad, the best food, and the finest of consumables. A title to aspire for.
Soloing
Climbing alone, though not necessarily without the protection of a rope (unless you're in the UK, where a solo is always a free solo). 
(d) solo klettern, (f) soloer, (e) escalar en solitario, (pl) wspinaczka solowa
Sport climbing
Climbing routes of (extreme ?) gymnastic difficulty while protection oneself by clipping copiously numbered and generously spaced preplaced free protection. 
(d) sportklettern, (f) escalade sportive, (nl) sportklimmen, (i) arrempicata sportiva, (e) escalada deportiva (s) sportklättring, (pl) wspinaczka sportowa
Spray, to
To brag or gloat.
Stem, to
Bridging with the feet between two holds (US only). 
(d) spreizen, (f) se mettre en opposition, (i) opposizione, (e) oposición, (s) stämma / sprajsa 
"Stick it"
American slang meaning "hold on" or "go for it". 
(f) "allez !", (e) "asegura" 
Sticht plate
A belay device consisting of a plate with two slots in it. An original creation by Franz Sticht. 
(d) Sticht Bremse, (f) plaquette d'assurage, (f-c) plaque-frein, (i) piastrina sticht, (e) placa Sticht, (s) stichtbroms 
Stoked
Fired up, ready to play, very excited, really wanting to finish a particular climb.
Stylin’
Looking good, climbing well, having the most colorful clothing.
Stylin’
Living like a softman or softwoman.
Summit
The top of a mountain or rock. 
(d) Gipfel, (f) sommet, (nl) top, (i) cima, (e) cima / cumbre, (s) topp, (pl) szczyt
Summit, to
To reach the summit. 
(d) gipfeln, (e) encumbrar, (pl) wejsc na wierzcholek 
 
T 
"Take"
American monosyllable for "Up Rope". Also used by top-ropers and sports-climbers to indicate that they have reached the top and want to be lowered.
(d) "Seil ein" / "zu" / "dicht", (f) "avale", (e) "recupera", (pl) "wybierz"
"Take in"
The British equivalent of "Up Rope". 
(d) "Seil ein"/("Zieh an"), (f) "Avale", (i) Recupera, (s) "Tag hem", (pl) "Wybierz" 
"Taking in"
Heard often in British crags, meaning the climber is "off belay" and about to pull up the slack between him and the belayer. 
(f) "J'avale" 
Talus
Large blocks of rock. A coarse variation of scree. 
Tape knot
Or threaded overhand knot in the US.
Tarn
A small lake. 
10essentials
That part of your climbing gear you don't want to leave at home. 
"Tension!"
Yelled out to the belayer to make sure he really takes in the slack. Usually "tension" is used by a climber that is ready to pop off. The progression of severity usually goes "up rope", "tight rope", "tension!".
(f) "Bloque"
"That's me"
Part of the climbing dialogue. Courtesy call to the belayer to indicate that the slack in the rope is all taken up and that further pulling is pointless. 
(d) "Seil aus", (f) "Bout de corde", (pl) "Koniec luzo" 
Third classing
Climbing without a rope on easy ground (see also class)
Threaded overhand
Solid but not failproof knot also known as water knot or tape knot (UK), or ring bend when used on webbing.
(d) Sackstich in Ringform, (e) Nudo encontrado 
Thrutchy
Requiring a whole lot of strength (and enthusiasm in a way). Used in Australia - where all the climbing is upside down.
Tick marks
Little smears of chalk used to locate holds when bouldering.
"Tight rope"
Or just "Tight". Urgent request to the belayer to take the slack out of the system. Somewhat stronger than "up rope". 
(f) "Sec", (f-c) "a sec", (e) "Tensa" 
Toe
The bottom of a buttress. 
Topo
A short drawing of the route. Good topos will allow you to spot the line right away, show the placement of bolts and belay stances, indicate where the crux is and what rating it has. 
(f) Topo, (i) Topo, (e) Topo 
Top-rope
Free climbing a route that has the safety rope attached to the top of the climb (usually one walks to the top to set up the top-rope belay). 
(d) Toprope / Seil von oben, (f) Moulinette, (nl) Toprope, (i) Corda dall'alto, (e) Yoyo, (s) Topprep, (pl) Wedka
Touron
A cross between a tourist and a moron. Typically asks stupid questions like “How did you get the rope up there?” Definitely the lowest form of life on earth.
Trad
Traditional climbing, characterized by the placing of protection (cams, nuts, etc.) in cracks and pockets. Trad also includes multi-pitch routes often with long runouts.
(d) Traditionelles, Alpines Klettern, (f) Classique, (nl) Alpijns klimmen, (i) Tradizionale, (e) Escalada tradicional /clásica 
Trad fall
A fall during a trad climb, sometimes accompanied by the popping sound of protection succumbing to the temptations of gravity. See also 'crater' and 'screamer'. 
(f) Devissage 
Traverse
Horizontal climb. 
(d) Quergang, (f) Traversée, (nl) Traverse, (i) Traverso, (e) Travesiacute;a, (s) Travers, (pl) Trawers
Trucker
Synomym for 'Bomber'. A trustworthy piece of pro. 
Tunnel
A tunnel through or hourglass shape in the rock that allows a runner or cord to be fed through for protection. 
(d) Sanduhr, (f) Lunule, (i) Clessidra, (nl) Zandloper, (e) Túnel 
Twistlock
A locking karabiner where the gate is locked with a spring-loaded clip.
U 
Undercling
A hold that would be a perfect bucket if gravity were upside down. As it is, underclings are usually awkward holds that require lieback type moves. 
(d) Untergriff, (f) Inversée, (nl) Ondergreep, (i) Presa rovescia, (e) Undercling, (e-argentina) Toma invertida, (pl) podchwyt 
"Up Rope"
Yelled by the leader or the follower when she/he wants a tighter belay. (In UK: "Take in" or "Tight" or even "Watch me"). 
(d) "Seil ein", (f) "Sec" / "Avale", (nl) "Blok", (i) "Recupera", (e) "Tensa", (s) "Ta hem", (pl) "Wybierz" 
 
V 
Verglas
Thin water ice on rock. 
(f) Verglas, (pl) Oblodzenie
Vôgen
Great, super. "Everything's vôgen."
 
W 
Warthog
A roughened spike hammered into certain kinds of ice or frozen turf for protection. Very popular on mixed climbs in the UK
"Watch me"
Call to indicate the climber is about to do something stupid -- like fall. 
(d) "Pass auf", (f) "Fais gaffe", (nl) "Let op", (i)"Occhio" / "Guardami bene" / "Tiemmi tirato", (e) "Cuídame", (s) "Beredd?", (pl) 
Water ice
Ice formed directly from frozen water. Water ice is clear and brittle and contains few air bubbles. Sometimes water is even flowing around the ice. Can be found in the couloirs of the High Sierra in autumn (and in many other places). 
Water knot
See tape knot.
(d) Bandschlingenknoten, (e) Nudo encontrado, (s) Vattenknop, (pl) Wezel wodny 
Way
Extremely. “I was way scared on that run-out”.
Webbing (tubular)
Flat and strong strip of nylon, that is hollow in the inside. 
(d) Schlauchband , (f) Sangle (tubulaire), (nl) Schlinges, (i) Fetuccia tubolare, (e) Cinta tubular, (s) Tubband, (pl) Tasma rurowa 
Webbing (loop of)
A runner made of webbing. 
(d) Bandschlinge, (f) Sangle (anneau de), (i) Anello di cordin / Anello di fettucia, (e) Anilla, (s) Slinga 
Weighting
The delicate test of placing weight on a piece of pro after placing it. Usually with aid climbing.
Whipper
A very long fall. 
White ice
Ice with lots of air bubbles that forms from melted-and-frozen snow. Good climbing stuff. 
(f) Glace blanche
Wombing
Doing a no-hands-rest. 
Woodie
A homemade climbing wall. 
(f) Pan 
 
X
 
Y 
Yabo
As in 'yabo start'. A 'sit start'. Named after John Yablonski a stud southern California climber, who was nicknamed Yabo.
Yard, to
To pull on a piece of protection. Strictly speaking aid climbing.
YDS
Yosemite Decimal System. The North-American rating system. 
 
Z 
Zawn
A deep and narrow fold or inlet in a sea cliff. British.
Zipper
A fall where the protection pulls out one after the other as the leader succumbs to gravity. Often ends with a grounder (or a cardiac arrest). 
(d) Reißverschlusssturz, (f) Déboutonner (verb), (pl) Suwak
Z-Pulley System
Complicated rope setup that allows you to hoist heavy weights with relatively little force. Excellent for rescuing or hauling bags. 
(d) Flaschenzug, (f) Moufflage 

Climbing Dictionary M to Q

M 
Manky
Term used to describe a fixed bolt that looks like it was placed before the last ice age. Use these bolts at your own discretion 
(d) Rosthaken, (f) Clou pourri/clou rouillé 
Mantle
Difficult balancing move useful to get up on ledges. 
(d) (Durch)-stützbewegung, (f) Rétablissement, (i) Ristabilimento, (s) Mantla 
Mixed climbing
Climbing with a combination of different methods of ascent. e.g mixed free and aid climbing, mixed rock and ice climbing, etc. 
(f) escalade mixte, (pl) wspinaczka mieszana
Moat
The gap between snow and ice on a rock wall. Has posed problems ever since the middle ages. 
Mountain rescue
The people who put their life on the line when you screw up badly. 
(d) Bergrettung, (f) Secours en montagne, (i) Soccorso alpino, (e) Rescate de montaña, (s) Bergräddning 
Munge
The dirt and vegetation that can sometimes be found in cracks. In the UK: Choss.
Multi pitch climb
Climb that consists of more than a single pitch. 
(d) Mehrseillaengentour, (f) voie de plusieurs longueurs, (nl) klim van meerdere touwlengtes, (i) via da piu' tiri, (e) ruta de varios largos, (s) tur med flera replängder(?), (pl) droga kilku wyciagowa / wspinaczka wielowyciagowa
Munter hitch
Knot used for belaying (Aka italian hitch or friction hitch). The Germans love this knot (see HMS).
(d) Halbmastwurf, (f) Demi-cabestan, (nl) Halve mastworp, (i) Mezzo barcaiolo, (e-argentina) Nudo dinamico, (s) Munterknut 
 
 
N 
Nailing
An ancient term used to describe direct-aid climbing with pitons. 
Needle
Rock with a characteristic pointed shape. Also known as pinnacle, aiguille, gendarme, etc. 
(d) Nadel / Spitze, (f) Aiguille / Gendarme, (i) Guglia / Pinnacolo, (e) Aguja, (s) Pinnakel, (pl) Igla 
Névé
Consolidated granular snow formed by repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles. Also used to indicate permanent snowfields. 
(f) Névé 
Notch
A small col.
(d) Scharte, (f) Brèche
Nut
Metal wedge used for protection in cracks. 
(d) Klemmkeil, (f) Coinceur, (nl) Nut , (i) Dado, (e) Nuez, (s) Kil, (pl) Kosc
Nut key
The piece of metal that Americans call a nut tool. 
Nut tool
Piece of metal that can be used to remove stuck nuts or cams. In the UK: nut key.
(d) Keilenentferner, (f) Décoinceur/sardine, (i) Cavadadi, (e) Sacanueces, (s) Kilpetare 
 
O 
"Off Belay"
Yelled when the climber no longer requires a belay (e.g. because she/he has reached a stance). Once the belayer hears "off belay", he/she removes the rope from the belay device and yells "belay off". In UK, Australia and New Zealand: "Safe".
(d) "Stand" ("Aussicher"), (f) "Relais, vaché!", (nl) "Stand", (i) "Posto" / "Molla", (e) "Libre", (e-argentina) "autoasegurado", (s) "Lägg av", (pl) "Mam auto" 
Off width
A climb too wide to jam, too small to chimney. And then I've heard of people who actually like this kind of climbing. 
(d) Schulterriß, (f) Offwidth, (e) Off width, (pl) Rysa szersza niz piesc 
"On Belay ???"
Query to verify if the belayer is ready to secure the climber (US only). 
(d) "Kann ich kommen?", (f) "Tu me prends ???", (i) "Sei pronto ???", (e) "?Subo?" / "?estás listo?", (s) "Sakring klar ???", (pl) "Moge isc?"
On-sight flash
Leading a climb with no falls and no dogging and without any prior attempts, watching someone do it or beta on how to do the moves. 
(f) Enchaîner en tête à vue, (i) A vista, (e) A vista 
Open book
Same as a dihedral or inside corner. Two panes of rock join in an acute or obtuse corner that faces left or right. 
Outside corner
Also known as pillar or arete. 
(d) Kante, (f) Pilier, (nl) Pijler, (i) Pilastro 
Over-cam, to
Compressing a cam to its absolute minimum size during placement, effectively eliminating the possibility of extraction.
Overhand knot
A simple (but solid) knot in a double rope. 
(d) Sackstich, (f) noeud de queue de vache, (i) Nodo delle guide, (e) Nudo simple, (s) överhandsknut, (pl) Kluczka 
 
Overhand loop
The simplest type of knot possible. 
(d) Kreuzschlag, (f) Queue de vache, (e) Gasa, (pl) Klucka z uchem 
Overhang
Rock (or ice) that is "more than vertical". 
(d) Ueberhang, (f) Surplomb(=strong overhang) or dévers (=slight overhang), (nl) overhang, (i) Strapiombo, (e) Desplome / Extraplomo, (s) Överhäng, (pl) Przewieszenie
Over-kilned
A boiler plate or flaky rock
 
P 
Pass
The lowest passage between two mountains. The french - but not just the french - know this as a col. The mathematicians would call this the saddle point. 
(d) Pass, (f) col, (i) sella / colle / passo / valico, (e) collado / puerto, (s) pass, (pl) przelecz, (sl) sedlo
Party ledge
A somewhat larger ledge used to rest (and party !) during a particularly hard or long climb. Sometimes used to refer to the belay station on a multipitch climb. 
(f) terrasse ("vire" is a somewhat narrower ledge), (i) terrazza, (nl) plateau, (e) repisa 
pendulum
A swing on the rope, either intentional to gain a distant anchor on big wall climbs or unintentional when falling during a traverse with not enough pro in place. 
(d) pendeln / Pendelquergang, (f) pendule, (i) (traversata a) pendolo, (e) péndulo, (s) pendeltravers / pendla, (pl) wahadlo 
Pig
The haul bag using for big wall climbing. 
(d) Sau 
Pillar
Outside corner 
(d) Pfeiler, (f) pilier, (nl) pijler, (i) pilastro, (e) pilar, (s) pelare, (pl) igla / filar
Pimp, to
To do a short semi-dynamic stab. It's not quite a dynamic move, but it's also not quite static. It's the happy median.
Pink point
To red-point a climb where the pro and runners have been pre-placed. 
(d) Rotpunkt mit eingehängten Schlingen (Rotkreuz ???) 
Pitch
A section of climb between two belays and no longer than the length of one rope (this used to mean 45m, nowadays pitches can also be 50 or even 60m long -- check your topo). 
(d) Seillaenge, (f) longueur, (nl) touwlengte, (i) tiro, (e) largo (de cuerda), (s) replängd, (pl) wyciag
Piton
Metal spike hammered into a crack (has come in disuse for all but some special applications) (Aka "peg" in the UK). 
(d) Haken, (f) piton, (nl) (mep)haak, (i) chiodo, (e) pitón / clavo 
Pocket
A hold formed by a (small) depression in the rock. 
(d) Loch/Fingerloch, (f) trou à doigt, (nl) gat/vingergat, (i) buca da dito, (s) ficka, (pl) dziurka
Portaledge
A hanging tent with built in bed used on big walls (and big trees). 
Pro, Protection
Anchors placed during the climb to protect the leader. Beware: even properly placed pro does not prevent pregnancy or the transmission of STDs. 
(d) Sicherungsmittel, (f) protection, (nl) zekering, (i) protezione, (e) protección / anclaje, (s) säkring, (pl) asekuracja 
Prusik
The sliding knot or the method to ascend a rope (named after its inventer Dr. Karl Prusik). 
(d) Prusik, (f) Prusik, (nl) Prusik, (i) Prusik, (e) Prusik, (s) Prusik 
Pumped
The feeling of overworked muscles. Most climbers are familiar with the forearm pump: too much finger work causes the forearms to swell and the strength to disappear. With a serious forearm pump, even holding a glass of beer can become a serious challenge. 
(d) dicke Arme (or any other body part), (f) avoir les bouteilles / daubé, (nl) verzuurd, (i) acciaiato, (s) pumpad 
Pumpy
Describes a climb that will leave you pumped.
 
Q 
Quickdraw, quick
Short sling with karabiners on either side. 
(d) Expreßschlinge, (f) Dégaine, (nl) setje, (i) Rinvio / Preparato / sveltina, (e) cintas express, (s) Expresslinga / Kortslinga, (pl) Expres 

Climbing Dictionary H to L

H 
HACE
High Altitude Cerebral Edema. Liquid in the brain as a result of high altitude exposure. Few people live to tell what it is like.
(f) oedème du cerveau
Half rope
A rope of 9 or 8.5 mm that has to be used together with a second rope when leading a climb. 
(d) Halbseil, (f) corde de rappel, (nl) half touw, (i) mezza corda, (e) media cuerda, (s) halvrep, (pl) lina polowka 
Handjam
Slightly masochistic technique where the hand is wedged into a crack. 
(d) Handklemmer, (f) verrou (de main), (nl) handklem, (i) incastro di mani, (e) encuñadura de mano / -de palmas, (e-argentina) empotrar la mano 
Handle
Big banana-shaped hold often found in indoor gyms. Great for waving hello to admiring bystanders. It may sound bizarre, but I've never seen one of those outdoors... 
(d) Henkel, (f) poignée / baquet / poignée de métro (parisians only) (nl) handvat, (pl) klama 
Hangdog, to
See Dog. 
HAPE
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema. Liquid in the lungs as a result of high altitude exposure. Pretty serious condition that can quickly lead to HACE if a descent to lower altitudes is not made immediately. See also HACE. 
(f) oedème du poumon
Hardman / hardwoman
A climber with seemingly superhero strength who has survived epics of grandiose proportions.
Harness
Piece of clothing that identifies you as a climber. The coolness factor can be significantly enhanced by hanging things from the harness that go cling. 
(d) Klettergurt, (f) baudrier/baudard, (f-c) baudrier/cuissard, (nl) klimgordel, (i) imbragatura, (e) arnés, (s) klättersele, (pl) uprzaz
Haul bag
Large and robust bag used to haul food, water, climbing gear, sleeping bag, television, satelite dish, and other essential equipment that is required, up a big wall. Also know as "the pig". 
(d) Materialsack / Nachziehsack, (f) sac, (i) sacco da recupero, (e) petate / costal de escalada, (s) hissack 
Headwall
Where the face of a mountain steepens dramatically. 
"Help"
The vocal alternative to 6 signals a minute. In far away countries, try S.O.S. -- it doesn't mean anything but is understood by most. 
(d) "Hilfe", (f) "Au secours", (nl) "Help", (i) "Aiuto", (e) socorro/ayuda, (s) "Hjälp" 
Helmet
Solid plastic device that can sometimes protect the head from falling stones or impact (Aka a brainbucket). 
(d) Helm, (f) casque, (nl) helm, (i) casco, (e) casco, (s) hjälm, (pl) kask, (sl) prilba
Herbish
The opposite of grodle. Not all that awesome. 
Hex
Short for Hexentrix. A type of nut with an excentric hexadiagonal shape. Works for wedging (as a nut) but also for camming. 
Hueco
A beautifully shaped pocket with a positive lip named after these incredible features found at the Hueco Tanks bouldering area in Texas. 
HMS
Karibiner with one wide side used for belaying with a munter hitch (aka pearabiner). From the German term for munter hitch belay: 'Halbmastwurfsicherung'. 
(d) HMS, (i) moschettone a pera, (s) HMS-knut, (pl) HMS (karabinek gruszkowaty) 
Hold
Anything that can be held on to. 
(d) Griff, (f) Prise, (nl) Greep, (i) Appiglio / Presa, (e) Presa / agarre, (e-argentina) Toma, (s) Grepp, (pl) Chwyt
Horn
Spike of rock that can be for a great hold or not so great protection. The same as a chickenhead. 
Hurtin unit
That member of the climbing team that is suffering from severe exposure to alcoholic beverages the night before.
 
I 
Ice axe
Device used for ice climbing, glacier crossing, or scaring away burglars. 
(d) Eispickel / Eisbeil, (f) Piolet, (nl) IJsbijl, (i) Piccozza, (e) Piolet, (s) Isyxa, (pl) Czekan 
Ice screw
A protection device for ice climbing. Looks like a large bolt that can be screwed in hard ice. 
(d) Eisschraube, (f) Broche à glace, (i) Vite da ghiaccio, (e) Tornillo para hielo, (s) Isskruv, (pl) sruba lodowa
Italian hitch
Munter hitch knot or HMS knot 
(pl) Polwyblinka
 
J 
Jam, to
Wedging body parts in a crack. 
(d) Klemmen, (f) Faire un verrou / Faire un coincement / Coincer, (i) Incastrarsi, (e) Encuñar, (e-argentina) Empotrar, (s) Jamma, (pl) Klinowac
Jingus
Gnarly, sharp, hard, or radical. Often used as an expletive.
Jug
Very large hold (short for jug handle) (Aka "bucket" in the US). 
(d) Henkel / Kelle, (f) Poignée, (nl) bak, (i) Vasca / Fibbia, (e-argentina) Manija, (s) Brevlåda, (pl) Klama
Jugs
Big wall lingo for Jumars or any other type of ascenders. 
Jug, to
To jumar up a line (big wall lingo).
(f) monter au jumar
Jumar
A type of rope ascending device. 
Jumar, to
To ascend a rope using ascenders. 
(d) Jumaren, (f) Monter au jumar, (e) Jumarear, (s) Jumarera 
 
K 
Karabiner
Metal connecting device, sometimes spelled with a 'c' in the US. This most essential climbing device is also known as a "biner" in the US and as "crab" or "krab" (mostly) in the UK.
(d) Karabiner, (f) mousqueton, (nl) karabiner / mousqueton, (i) moschettone, (e) mosquetón / mosquete, (s) karbin / karbinhake, (pl) karabinek
Kernmantle rope
Modern climbing rope consisting of bundles of continuous nylon filaments (Kern) surrounded by a braided protective sheath (Mantle). 
(d) Kernmantelseil 
kN
Kilonewton. An abbreviation usually found on karabiners and other climbing gear. For those of you who are not engineers, one kilonewton is about 100 kg or about 220 lbs. (And for those of you who are, don't bother lecturing me). 
Knotted cord
Piece of cord with a knot tied into the end that is used for protection (pretty much like a nut). The traditional method of protecting climbs, and still used in the Elbsandsteingebirge in Eastern Germany. 
(d) Knotenschlinge, (f) Corde nouée, (i) Cordino annodato 
Krab
Short for Karabiner.
 
L 
Largo start
A climb or bouldering problem where the first move starts with a jump for high holds. Named after John Long (or 'Largo').
Layback/Lieback
Somewhat clumsy looking climbing technique where hands and feet work in opposition. 
(d) Piazen/hangeln, (f) Dülfer / opposition, (i) Dulfer (Opposizione), (e) Dülfer, (s) Layback 
Leader
Person who leads a climb. 
(d) Vorsteiger, (f) Premier (de cordée), (nl) Voorklimmer, (i) Primo, (e) Primero / puntero, (s) Försteman, (pl) Prowadzacy 
Lead, to
To ascend a climb from the bottom up, placing protection (or clipping protection) as you go. 
(d) Vorsteigen, (f) Grimper en tête, (nl) Voorklimmen, (i) Andare da capocardata, andare da primo, (e) Puntear / guiar, (s) Leda, (pl) Prowadzic
Ledge
Flat bit on a rock (can be miniature or gigantic). 
(d) Leiste (small) / Absatz (large) / Band (large laterally extended ledge), (f) Réglette/vire ("vire" is somewhere between a microledge and a party ledge), (nl) Rand(je), (i) Cengia, (e) Repisa, (s) Hylla, (pl) Polka
Limestone
Type of rock found in abundance in southern France (usually white and full of pockets and holds). 
(d) Kalkstein, (f) calcaire, (nl) kalksteen, (i) calcare, (e) roca calcárea, (s) kalksten, (pl) wapien
Locking biner
Karabiner that can be locked (in the UK, a screwgate or twistlock).
(d) Verschlusskarabiner / Schrauber, (f) Mousqueton à vis, (nl) Schroefkarabiner, (i) Moschettone a ghiera, (e) Mosquetón de seguro, (s) Låskarbin / Skruvkarbin 
Lock-off
To hold on to the rock with one bent arm while using the other arm to reach up for the next hold or to place or clip protection. Lockoffs on small holds will get you pumped in a hurry. 
(d) Blockieren / Fixieren, (f) Bloquer, (nl) Blokkeren, (i) Bloccaggio, (e) Bloquear, (s) Lesa / Binda av 
Lowering
To descend something or somebody. 
(d) Ablassen, (f) Descendre en moullinette / mouliner, (nl) Zakken/naar beneden laten, (i) Calare, (e) Bajar / descender a alguien, (s) Fira ner 

Climbing Dictionary D to G

D 

Daisy chain, A sling sewn (or tied) with numerous loops, used as an adjustable sling in aid climbing. 

Deadpoint, A dynamic move where the next hold is grabbed at the very top of the motion (if you lunge upwards, that is just before you start falling again). By grabbing a hold in its 'deadpoint', you place the smallest possible loads on the holds.

(d) Greifen im toten Punkt, (f) Jeté, (pl) Wspinanie dynamiczne 

Death wobbles, The eerie sensation of jittery legs. Aka to Elvis or the sewing machine.

Deck, The usually unfriendly surface that welcomes you at the end of a grounder. 

Demigod, Highest form of life in the climbing cosmos. Does not need rock to ascend to great heights.

Descender, Device used for rappelling. 
(d) Abseiler, (f) descendeur, (i) discensore, (e) descensor, (s) firningsbroms, (pl) przyjazd zjazdowy 

Dihedral, The US term for an inside corner (Aka "open book"). 

(d)Verschneidung, (f) Dièdre, (nl) Versnijding/hoek, (i) Diedro, (e) Diedro, (s) (Inner-) hörn /

Dieder, "Dirt me"

US slang which means as much as 'Lower me'. 
(d) "Ablassen" / "Nach" 

Dog (to dog a move), Climbing, lowering, climbing again till a certain move is made (the usual mode of ascent...). 

(d) Ausbouldern, (nl) Jo-jo 

Double fisherman's knot, Solid knot used to tie two ropes or pieces of webbing together (Aka grapevine knot). 

(d) Doppelter Spierenstich, (f) Double noeud de pêcheur, (nl) Dubbele visserssteek, (i) Nodo a contrasto doppio/nodo doppio inglese, (e) Nudo de pescador doble, (s) Dubbel fiskarknop 

Double rope, Same as a half rope. Also the technique using two half ropes. 

(d) Doppelseil, (f) Corde à double, (i) Corda doppia, (e) Cuerda doble, (s) Dubbelrep 

Downclimbing, Descending the difficult way. 

(d) Abklettern, (f) Désescalader, (nl) Afklimmen, (i) disarrampicare / Arrampicare in discesa, (e) Destrepar / Desescalar, (s) Nedetklättring 

Dry tool, to, To ascend a section of rock using ice tools - very common in mixed climbing.

Dude, Generic name for a climber (in the US). 

Dynamic belay, A belay method in which some rope is allowed to slip during severe falls. A dynamic belay can severely reduce the impact force from a serious fall, but can also severely kill you if not done properly. 

(d) Dynamische Sicherung, (f) Assurage dynamique, (i) Sicura dinamica / assicurazione dinamica, (e) Seguro dinámico, (s) Dynamisk säkring, (pl) asekuracja dynamiczna

Dyno, Dynamic movement towards a distant hold. 

(d) Dynamo, (f) Jeté, (nl) Dynamo, (i) Lancio, (e) Movimiento dinámico, (s) Dynamisk move
 
E 
EB, A legendary brand of sport climbing shoes - started the free climbing revolution.

Edge, A sharp edge on a rock face. 

(d) Kante, (f) Graton, (i) Spigolo / lama, (e) Orilla, (s) Kant, (pl) Kant

Edging, Foot technique where one uses the edge of the climbing shoe to stand on small footholds. The opposite of smearing. 

(d) Kanten, (f) Gratonner, (e) cantear 

Elvis, to, To have a sewing maching leg. Named after "Elvis, the King", who suffered from this this problem when singing before a crowd of screaming women. 

(d) Nähmaschine, (e) motoneta, (pl) telegrafowac

Epic, The story of a well planned climb that turned into a grueling adventure that turned out well in the end. As these stories are told over and over again - and they always are - the details get stretched to supernatural proportions for dramatic effect. 

(d) Eine Geschichte, (f) Epopée (e) Historia épica 

Etrier, (Pronounce with a french accent). Webbing ladder used for aid climbing. Also known as 'aider'. 

(d) Leiter, (f) Étrier, (nl) Ladder, (i) Staffa, (e) Estribo, (s) Stegar
 
F 
Face climbing, Not crack climbing. 
(d) Wandklettern / Plattenklettern, (nl) Wandklimmen, (f) Grimper en dalle, (i) Arrampicata su parete/Arrampicata in placca, (e) Escalada exterior, (s) Väggklättring, (pl) wspinaczka po plycie

Fall, to, A dynamic retreat from a climb (free-solo rappel). Note that it is never the fall that kills, it's the landing. 

(d) Stuerzen, (f) Prendre un plomb / Voler / Tomber, (nl) Vallen, (i) Cadere / Volare, (e) Caer / volar, (s) Ramla, Falla, (pl) odpasc

"Falling", Yelled when a climber is (about to) fall. 

(d) "ich stürze", (f) "bloque" (eqv. to 'tension'), (nl) "ik val", (i) "volo", (e) "caigo", (pl) “lece”

Fall factor, The length of the fall divided by the amount of rope paid out. 

(d) Sturzfaktor, (f) Facteur de chute, (i) Fattore di caduta, (e) Factor de caída, (s) Fallfaktor 

FecoFile, A PVC tube used to store solid human waste on big walls. Aka the Shit Tube. 

Feet, Footholds.

Fifi hook, An open hook used to allow easy clipping during aid climbing. Usually found on aiders, daisy chains, etc. 

(d) Fifihaken, (f) Fifi, (i) Gancio fiffi, (e) Fifí, (s) Fiffikrok 

Figure 8, Metal rappelling/belaying device shaped like an 8.

(d) Achter/Abseilachter, (f) Descendeur en huit (Huit), (nl) Acht, (i) L'otto (il discensore), (e) Ocho, (s) Åtta, (pl) Osemka 

Figure of eight, Very popular and solid tie-in knot.

(d) Achtknoten, (f) Noeud en huit (Huit), (nl) Acht/achtknoop, (i) Nodo a otto / Savoia inseguito, (e) Nudo de ocho, (s) Åttaknut, (pl) Osemka
 
Fingerlock, Masochistic technique to twist and wedge the fingers into a crack. 
(d) Fingerklemmtechnik in Rissen, (f) Verrou (de doigt), (nl) Vingerverklemming, (i) Incastro di dita, (e) Encuñadura de dedos, (s) Fingerjam 

Firn, Old, well consolidated snow. Often a left-over from the previous season. Closer to ice than snow in density, it may require the use of crampons. 

Fisherman's knot, Simple knot to tie two ropes together. The double fisherman knot, however, is more popular.
(d) Spierenstich, (f) Noeud de pêcheur, (nl) Visserssteek, (i) Nodo a contrasto semplice, (e) Pescador, (s) Fiskarknop 

Fixed pro, Bolts, rings, pitons, stuck nuts and cams and other piece of unremovable pro that may be found on a climb. Use at your own risk.

Flail, to, To become very unsure and sketchy. When the flailing goes into frantic grabbing for holds, a fall is not far away.

Flake, A thin bit of rock that is detached from the main face. 

(d) Schuppe, (f) Écaille, (i) Scaglia, (e) Laja, (s) flak, (pl) Pletwa 

Flapper, A piece of skin torn off your hand that creates a bloody wound. Usually happend when holding on too hard when gravity is winning. 

Flared, A crack or chimney with sides that are not parallel, but instead form two converging planes of rock. 

Flash, to, To lead a climb with no falls or dogging and with no previous attempts on the climb. Two variations exist: the onsight flash (where the climber has never seen the climb before) and the beta flash (where the climber has studied the climb before or has seen someone do the climb). See there. 

(f) Enchaîner en tête 

Following, Not leading a climb. 

(d) Nachsteigen, (f) Grimper en second / Grimper en moulinette, (nl) Naklimmen, (i) Seguire (andare da secondo), (e) Segundear / escalar de segundo, (s) Följa, (pl) Chodzic na drugiego 

Free climbing, Moving up a rock using only hands, feet, and natural holds. Ropes and pro are only used for protection of the climber and not for progression. 

(d) frei klettern, (f) escalade libre, (nl) vrijklimmen, (i) scalata / arrampicata libera, (e) escalada libre, (s) friklättring, (pl) wspinaczka klasyczna

Free solo, Free climbing while using no ropes for protection. You fall - you die.

(d)Free solo klettern, (f) Solo intégral, (nl) Solo, (i) Arrampicata in solitaria, (e) Escalada solitaria / Superlibre, (s) Frisolo 

Friend, Trade name for the original camming devices, now also available as Camalots, TCU's, Quads, Aliens, Big Dudes, etc

G 
Gas, The stuff your car and muscles run on. If you run out of gas.... 

Gate, The part of the karabiner that opens.

(d) Schnapper, (f) doigt, (nl) snapper, (i) leva, (e) pestillo, (e-argentina) leva, (s) grind, (pl) zamek karabinka 

Gerry rail, A hold large enough for the most senior climbers.

Glacier, A slowly moving permanent mass of ice. 
(d) Gletscher, (f) glacier, (nl) gletscher, (i) ghiacciaio, (e) glaciar, (s) glaciär, (pl) lodowiec 

Gnarly, Difficult, sharp, hard. Usually in reference to a hold or move.

God-save-me, The type of hold one lunges for hoping it will be the perfect bucket. 
Goomba, Novice climber who thinks he knows it all. Unlike boneheads, goombas don’t know enough to get hurt.

"Got me?", A wake up call for the belayer, used to warn her that you are about to put some weight on the rope.

(pl) “Trzymasz?” / “Blokuj”

Grade, A number denoting the seriousness of a route (not to be confused with the rating of climb, which describes the technical difficulty). In Britain, however, the word grade means both grade and rating. Look here for the different grades... 

(d) Ernsthaftigkeitsgrat, (f) engagement, (e) grado, (pl) wycena 

Grapevine knot, Fisherman's knot.

Gravical, The adrenaline high felt with a lot of air between you and ground level. 'This is gravical, dude'.

Grease, to, Not being able to hold on to a particularly slick hold, due to the presence of sweat, lactic acid or sand. Not uncommon in overused crags 

Grodle, Climbing English for awesome or cool.

Grounder, A fall where the kinetic energy is not absorbed by the rope and pro, but rather by mother earth itself. Can hurt badly. 

(d) Bodensturz, (f) chute au sol

Grigri, Nifty but somewhat controversial belaying device made by Petzl. 

Gripped, Paralyzed with fear and utterly confused. 

Gully, A wide, shallow ravine on a mountainside. 

Gumbie, Also spelled Gumby. An inexperienced or new rock climber.

Climbing Dictionary A to C

A 
Abseil, to Descending by sliding down a rope. Americans usually call this rappelling.
(d) Abseilen, (f) Descendre en rappel, (nl) Afdalen/abseilen, (i) Doppia, fare una doppia, (e) Rapelar / descenso en rappel, (s) fira, (pl) Zjazd na linie

Adze, The flat cutting end of the ice axe head. (pl) Lpatka czekana

Aid climbing,  Moving up a rock using fixed or placed protecting as a means of progression (and not just for protection). Also known in the US as sixth class climbing. 
(d) Technisch klettern, (f) Escalade artificielle, (nl) Artificieel klimmen, (i) Arrampicata artificiale, (e) Escalada artificial, (s) Teknisk klättring / Artificiell klättring, (pl) Hakowka

Aider, Webbing ladder used for aid climbing. The word was probably coined by someone who couldn't spell the french word étrier. 

(d) Leiter, (f) Étrier, (nl) Ladder, (i) Staffa, (e) Estribo, (s) Stegar, (pl) Laweczka podciagowa

Aid route, Route that can only be ascended using aid climbing techniques 

(d) Techno-route, (f) Voie d'artif, (i) Via in artificiale, (e) Ruta artificial 

Alcove,  A belay ledge that is surrounded by vertical rock on all sides. 

(pl) Nyza

Alpine, butterfly Butterfly knot. 

AMS, Acute mountain sickness. (Ask your medical doctor.)
(pl) Ostra choroba gorska

Anchor, Point where the rope is fixed to the rock. 

(d) Fixpunkt/Verankerung, (f) Point d'assurage, (f-c) Point d'ancrage, (nl) Zekeringspunt, (i) Ancoraggio, (e) Anclaje / Punto de seguro, (s) Ankare / Förankring, (pl) Punkt asekuracyjny

Arete, A narrow (more or less - but often more less than more - horizontal) ridge.

(d) Grat, (f) arête, (nl) graat, (i) cresta, (e) cresta / cuchilla, (pl) grzebien, (sl) hreben

Ascenders, Devices (e.g. Jumars) to ascend a rope.

(d) Steigklemmen, (f) Jumars / Poignées ascensionnelles, (nl) Stijgklemmen, (i) Maniglie/Ascensori, (e) Ascensores / Jumars, (s) Repklämmor, (pl) Zacisk

ATC, 'Air Traffic Controller', belaying device made by Black Diamond. 

Avalanche, Lots of snow or ice sliding down a mountain.
(d) Lawine, (f) Avalanche, (nl) Lawine, (i) Valanga, (e) Avalancha, (s) Lavin, (pl) Lawina
 
B 
Bail, to To give up on a rock climb or a summit attempt because of bad weather coming in. 

Barn door, to To lose the foot and hand holds on one side of the body. Usually causes the climber to swing like a barn door.

(f) partir en drapeau

Base camp, The lowest and largest fixed camp on a major ascent (or multiple ascents in the same area).  

(d) Basislager, (f) Camp de base, (nl) Basiskamp, (i) Campo base, (e) Campamento base, (s) Basläger, (pl) Obozowisko 

Beer, Liquid consumed in large quantities after climbing.

(d) Bier, (f) bière / mousse, (f-c) broue, (nl) bier / pintje, (i) birra, (e) cerveza, (s) öl, (pl) piwo, (sl) piwo

Belay, to To secure a climber. 
(d) Sichern, (f) Assurer , (nl) Zekeren, (i) Assicurare, (e) Asegurar / Dar seguridad, (s) Säkra, (pl) Ubezpieczac 

Belay Betty and Belay Bob, The girl or boyfriend of an addictive rock climber.

(d) Sicherungsmaschine

Belay station, A safe stance consisting of an anchor, a rope, and a belayer (aka "the belay")

(d) Standplatz, (f) Relais, (nl) Standplaats, (i) Sosta, (e) Punto de encuentro, Reunión, (s) Standplats, (pl) Stanowisko 

Belayer, The person at the belay station securing the climber. 

(d) Sicherungsmann/frau, (f) Assureur, (nl) Zekeraar, (i) Assicuratore/trice, (e) Asegurador, (s) Säkringsman, (pl) Asekurant

"Belay on", When the belayer is ready to belay the climber up, he yells "Belay on". (At least in the US, "belay on" would only confuse the hell out of a British climber who prefers to hear "Climb when ready"). 

(d) "nachkommen", (f) "quand tu veux", (f-c) "assuré", (nl) "nakomen", (i) "puoi venire", (e) "sube" / "vienes", (s) "säkring klar", (pl) "asekuracja gotowa" / “asekuruje”

"Below", Used in Britain to warn for impending impact with objects coming from above (e.g. falling rock). "Rock" in the US. 

(d) "Stein", (f) "Caillou" ("Pierre" is a common French name and might cause confusion with those individuals that respond to that name), (f-c) "Roche", (i) "Sasso", (e) "Piedra", (s) "Sten" 

Bent gate karibiner, Karibiner with the gate bent to accept the rope more easily. Not uncontroversial. 

(d) Bananenkarabiner, (f) Mousqueton à doigt incurvé, (i) Moschettone a barra ricurva, (e) Mosquetón express, (s) Karbin med böjd grind, (pl) Karabinek z lekko otwierajacym sie zamkiem 
(d) "Berg Heil !"
A German greeting at the summit. 

Bergschrund, Or just 'schrund'. The top crevasse in a glacier or snowfield that is formed when the glacier/snowfield tears away from the remaining patch of snow that is stable on the mountainside.

(d) Bergschrund, (f) Rimaye

Beta, Insider information about a climb. Running or auto beta is someone telling you how to do the moves as you go (as in "can you please shut up with that running beta, I want to find out myself"). 

(d) Informationen vor dem Start, (f) Description de la voie, (i) Informazioni 

Beta flash, Leading a climb with no falling or dogging, but with a piece of previous knowledge hints on how to do those crux moves. Even seeing someone do the climb already classifies as 'previous knowledge'. 

(d) Flash mit Ansage, (f) Flash 

Big wall, Rock climb that is so long and sustained that a normal ascent lasts several days. 

(d) Big Wall, (f) Grande paroi / grande falaise, (f-c) Grand mur, (e) Gran Pared, (s) Storöägg / Bigwall 

Biner, Short for Karabiner 

(d) Kara, (f) Mousquif / Moustif, (e) Mosquete / Mosquetón, (s) Karbin, (pl) Karabinek 

Birdbeak, A tiny hooked piton manufactured by A5. It is similar to the old Chouinard "Crack'n up", except that it only has a single side and that it is intended to be hammered in if necessary.

(pl) Rodzaj skajhuka

Bivouac, Or short, bivi. An uncomfortable sleeping place in the middle of a route. 

(d) Biwak, (f) Bivouac, (nl) Bivak, (i) Bivacco, (e) Bivac, (s) Bivack, (pl) Biwak 

Black ice, Old ice that was exposed to extremely cold temperatures, scree, and snowfall. Usually found deep in shady couloirs, or on steep north faces. Very hard and dense ice that is difficult to climb. 

(f) Glace noire, (pl) Czarny lod

Blast, to, To begin a big wall, after the line fixing is done. "We're gonna blast on Tuesday morning after we get the first three pitches fixed".

(f) Bleausard
Someone who frequents 'Bleau (or Fontainebleau, the site of some excellent bouldering near Paris). 

Blue ice, Very dense ice with a watery hue and few air bubbles. 

Bolt, (d) Bohrhaken, (f) spit / scellement, (i) spit, (e) spits / bolt, (s) bult, (pl) spit
Bolt, expansion
(d) Bohrhaken, (f) Cheville à expansion, (nl) Boorhaak, (i) Caviglie da espansione, (e) Piton de expansion, parabolt, (s) Borrbult 

Bomber, Used to indicate that something is exceptionally solid, e.g. an anchor, a hold. See also bombproof. 

(e) Firme, (s) Kanon 

Bombproof, The illusion that an anchor is infallible

(d) Bomben sicher, (f) béton (i) A prova di bomba, (e) A prueba de bomba, (s) Bombsäker 

Bonehead, A (novice) climber with more braves than brains. Knows just enough about climbing to get himself and others badly hurt.

Bong, An almost extinct species of extra wide pitons. Now, large chocks are usually used instead. 
(f) "Bonne Grimpe !"
A greeting to climbers when they start the climb. 
(e) "¡Buena suerte!" 

Bootie, Gear (nuts, cams, etc.) that was left behind on a climb by the previous party.

Boulder, to, Climbing unroped on boulders or at the foot of climbs to a height where it is still safe to jump off. 
(d) Bouldern (f) Faire du bloc, (nl) Boulderen, (i) Arrampicare su masso, (e) Boulder / Cascarear 

Bounce, to, To crater from an extreme height. Usually lethal. 

(d) Todessturz, (pl) Obdijac sie skokami przy zjezdie

Bowline, Sailing knot (not to be used for climbing, unless backed up with a second knot)

(d) Bulinknoten/Palstek, (f) Noeud de chaise, (nl) Paalsteek, (i) (Nodo) bulino, (e) Bulín, (s) Pålstek, (pl) Wezel tatrzanski
 
Brain bucket, Aka helmet. That all important hard shelled thing that covers our (second?) most valuable asset. 

Bucket, A large hold (Aka "jug", esp. in UK) 

(d) Henkel, (f) Bac/baquet, (nl) bak, (i) Fibbia / Vasca, (e) Asa / gasa, (s) Brevlåda 

Buildering, To climb buildings

(d) Fassadenklettern, (f-c) Escalade de ville, (nl) Geveltoerisme, (e) Escalada urbana, (s) Fasadklättring, (pl) Wspinanie po murach

Bust a move, to, To successfully execute a hard crux move.

Butterfly knot, Interesting but rarely used climbing knot. Alpine butterfly 
(f-c) Noeud papillon / les oreilles du Micky ??, (e) Nudo de mariposa, (pl) Motylek

Buttress, The part of the mountain or rock that stands in front of the main mountainface. 

(d) Vorbau / Pfeiler, (f) Pillier, (i) Pilastro, (e) Espolón, (s) Pelare, (pl) Pochyly filar
 
C 
Cam, Generic reference to the family of spring loaded camming devices (SLCD) such as friends, camalots, aliens, TCUs, etc. Also referred to as springs 
(d) Friends, (f) Friends, (e) Levas, (pl) Krzywka

Campus, A dyno executed using the arms only. Comes from the campus board where the people who do this move get the muscle to do it. 

(d) Frei hängend 

Campus board, A wooden training board with finger ledges that is used for training dynos and finger power. 

(d) Hangelbrett, (f) Planche d'entraînement, (e) Tabla de entrenamiento 

Carabiner, The alternative American spelling of the word Karabiner. Also spelled Caribiner.

Chalk, Magic powder that makes the hands stick to even the smoothest rock. 

(d) Chalk/Magnesia, (f) Magnésie, (nl) Magnesiumpoeder, (i) Magnesia, (e) Magnesio, (s) Krita, (pl) Magnezja

Chausey, Poor rock conditions. Also spelled chossy. 

Cheese grater, to, To slide down a slab while scraping the knees, hands, and face. 

Chest harness, Bra-like looking harness (to be used with waist harness) 

(d) Brustklettergurt, (f) Harnais, (nl) Borstgordel, (i) Cinghia pettorale, (e) Arnés de pecho, (s) Bröstsele, (pl) upzraz piersiowa

Chickenhead, Sometimes phallic shaped, protruding lumps that make excellent hand or footholds on granite, etc. 

(d) Zacke / Felsköpfel, (f-c) Banane, (e) Chile / cuerno, (pl) Duzy, owalny wystep skalny

Chimed, Exhausted. "This climb has got me chimed."

Chimney, A wide crack that accommodates (most of) the body of the climber. 

(d)Kamin, (f) Cheminée, (nl) Schoorsteen, (i) Camino, (e) Chimenea, (s) Kamin, (pl) Komin

Chimney, to, A climbing technique used to conquer chimneys. Usually requires the use of the back and feet, arms, head and other body parts. 

(d) Stemmen, (pl) Zapierac sie w kominie

Chipped hold, A hold created with a hammer and chisel by a moron incapable of doing the climb as it is.

(d) Geschlagener Griff, (f) Prise taillée, (i) Presa scavata, (s) Chippade grepp, (pl) Chwyt 'rzezbiony' dlutem 

Chock, Generic reference to the family of passive wired protection devices, also called nuts, stoppers, wires, and rocks. 

(f) coinceurs, (e) Nueces 

Chockstone, A stone wedged between a crack, a chimney, etc. 

(f) Bloc coincé, (s) Kilsten, (pl) Kamien yaklinowany w rysie 

Choss, In Australia, this means poor rock (you can take all the holds home...). In the UK, choss is dirt and vegetation found in cracks (or Munge in the US). 

Chute, A very steep gully. The word chute is French for fall and refers to the rockfall that is very common in a chute.

(pl) Zleb

Cirque, A deep and steep-walled basin on a mountain usually forming the blunt end of a valley. From the French word for circus. Also known as corrie.

Class, A number designating the overall technical level of a route. The first number in the YDS designates the class of the climb. Here's the different classes... 

(e) Clase 

Clean, Climbing without falling or dogging. 

(f) Enchaicirc;ner (une voie), (e) Escalada limpia 

Clean, Aid climbing without hammering. 

(e) Limpiar 

Clean, to, To remove the pro from a route. Usually done by the follower. 

(d) Abbauen / Ausraümen, (pl) Sciagnac asekuracje

Cliff, A vertical piece of rock good for climbing (see also Crag). 

(d) Fels, (f) Falaise, (nl) Rots, (i) Falesia, (e) Risco, (s) Klippa, (pl) Skala 

Cliffhanger, Not just a silly film with Wolfgang Güllich and Ron Kauk, but also the name for a small hooking device used to aid climb up small ledges and pockets. 

Climb, to, (d) Klettern, (f) Grimper, (nl) Klimmen, (i) Arrampicare/scalare, (e) Escalar, (s) Klättra, (pl) Wspinac sie

Climb, a, (d) Kletterei, (f) Escalade, (nl) Klim, (i) Arrampicata , (e) Escalada, (s) Led/Tur 

"Climbing", What the climber shouts after the belayer screams "Belay on". 

(d) "Komme", (f) "Départ", (nl) "Ik kom", (i) "parto"/"vengo", (e) "Voy", (s) "Jag klättrar", (pl) "Ide"

Climbing gym, The second best thing to real rock (Aka "wall" in the UK). 

(d) Kletterhalle, (f) Mur d'escalade / Salle d'escalade, (nl) Klimzaal/Klimhal, (i) Palestra, (e) Muro artificial de escalada, (s) Inomhusvägg 

Climbing shoes, Shoes made of sticky rubber that would have fit you comfortably when you were ten. 

(d) Kletterschuhe, (f) Chaussons d'escalade, (nl) Klimschoenen, (i) Scarpe da roccia / scarpette / pedule, (e) Pies de gato / tenis de escalada, (e-argentina) pedulas / zapatillas de escalada, (s) Klätterskor, (pl) Pantofle / buty wspinaczkowe

Climbing wall, The British word for a climbing gym. 

"Climb when ready", The British equivalent of "Belay on". 
(f) “Quand tu veux”, (e) "Cuando estés listo", (e-argentina) "veni", (pl) "Mozesz isc"

Clip, to, The reassuring action of putting the rope through a karabiner (that is attached to a piece of pro). 

(d) Einhängen, (f) Mousquetonner, (pl) wpiac sie

Clove hitch, A useful, easily adjustable climbing knot usually used to tie the rope into a karibiner. 

(d) Mastwurf, (f) Noeud de cabestan, (i) Nodo barcaiolo, (e) Cola de cochino, (s) Dubbelt halvslag, (pl) Wyblinka
 
Col, A steep, high mountain pass. 
(f) Col, (pl) Siodlo 

Coombe, Welsh word for corrie or cirque. Also spelled cwm.

Cord, Thin static rope (5, 5.5 or 6 mm) 

(d) Reepschnur, (f) Cordelette, (nl) Prusiktouw, (i) Cordino, (e) Cordino / cordeleta, (s) Repsnöre, (pl) Repsznur

Corner, Inside corner (see dihedral) or outside corner. In the UK, a corner is always an inside one.

(f) Dièdre, (i) Diedro, (e) Esquina, (s) Hörn, (pl) Zaciecie 

Corn snow, Unconsolidated granular snow that has gone through a short freeze-and-thaw process. This type of snow is prevalent throughout the High Sierra in April and May. 

(f) neige de printemps, (pl) snieg kukurydziany

Corrie, Other word for cirque. Spelled coire in Scotland and coombe or cwm in Wales.

Couloir, A steep gully which may have snow or ice. 

(f) Couloir, (pl) Kuluar 

Crab, Short for Karabiner.

Crack, in rock, A gap or fissure in the rock varying in width from nail to bodywidth. 

(d) Riß, (f) Fissure, (nl) (Rots)-spleet, (i) Fessura, (e) Grieta, (s) Spricka, (pl) Rysa

Crag, Name for a (small) climbing area. 

(d) Klettergarten, (f) Falaise, (i) Falesia, (s) Klippa, (pl) Skala

Crampons, Very pointy footware use to walk glaciers or climb ice. 

(d) Steigeisen, (f) Crampons, (nl) Stijgijzers, (i) Ramponi, (e) Crampones, (s) Stegjärn, (pl) Raki 

Crank, to, To pull on a hold as hard as you can, and then some. 

(d) Durchziehen, (pl) Wspinac sie w rysach 

Crater, to, To fall and hit the ground, as in "I almost cratered". 

(f) Se gaufrer/se vautrer/se planter/dévisser, se viander, (s) Kratra, (pl) glebowac

Crest, The very top of a ridge or arete. 

(pl) Ostrze grzbietu

Crevasse, A crack in the surface of a glacier. 

(d) (Gletscher-)spalte, (f) Crevasse, (nl) (Gletscher-)spleet, (i) Crepaccio, (e) Grieta, (s) Glaciärspricka, (pl) szczelina lodowcowa

Crimper, A very small hold that accepts only the finger tips. In the UK, this is just called a crimp.

(d) Kratzer / Pinchi, (f) Gratton, (i) Tacca, (e) Grieta de dedos 

Cruxm, The hard bit. 

(d) Crux/Schlueßelstelle, (f) Le pas/Crux/passage clé, (nl) Sleutelpassage, (i) Passo chiave, (e) Paso clave, (s) Krux, (pl) Najtrudniejszy przechwyt, wyciag na drodze 

Cwm, The Welsh spelling for coombe or cirque.

 

A Few Words on Grades

The grade of a climb is a subjective indication its severity, at least in the US. In the UK, the word grade is also used to indicate the technical difficulty of the climb, what is called rating in the US. Some grading systems measure the average length of a climb, others consider the general safety of the climb, etc. Below are some of the more popular grading systems. These generally cover both free and aid climbing, but not ice climbing. 

The North American Grading System

In North America, grades denote the normal amount of time required to complete a route. This time is based on a team of average climbers using normal techniques. 
 
Class I - Requires 1-2 hours
Class II - Requires half a day
Class III - Requires most of a day
Class IV - Requires a very long day
Class V - Requires an overnight stay on the route
Class VI - Requires a few days
Class VII - Expedition
The Alpine Grading System
Routes in the Western Alps are generally given an overall grade - in addition to a pitch-by-pitch rating. The overall grade says something about the general difficulty of the climb. It takes into account the technical difficulty, the quality of the belays, the nature of the rock, the exposure of the climb, the objective dangers, etc. The grading system uses letters (derived from the french words - in parenthesis) and sometimes uses "+" and "-" to indicate smaller differences. 
 
F - Easy. (Facile)
PD - Moderately difficult. (Peu Difficile)
AD - Fairly difficult. (Assez Difficile)
D - Difficult. (Difficile)
TD - Very difficult. (Très Difficile)
ED - Extremely difficult. (Extrêmement Difficile)

ABO - Horrible. (Abominable)

The German Grading System

The German grading system considers the seriousness or Ernsthaftigkeitsgrad of a climb. This grading scale considers all aspects of the climb which have nothing to do with the technical difficulty: average runout distance, quality of the protection placements, objective dangers, quality of the rock, etc. The scale goes from E0 to E5. E0 is a normal route, with solid fixed pro and ample opportunities for placing pro. E5, at the other end of the scale, stands for a largely unprotected and unprotectable route with manky pitons and crummy rock. On an E5 climb, falling is generally a lethal idea. In most topos, routes with an Ernsthaftigkeitsgrad above E0 are marked as such. 

A Few Words on Ratings and Grades - Aid Climbing

The good news about aid climbing rating scales is that the whole world uses a single scale that goes from A1 to A5. The bad news is that there are many interpretations of that scale. It will all depend on where and when that first ascent was made. 

For most purposes, the following - general - aid rating scale will do: 
• A1: All placements are rock solid and easy. 
• A2: Placements are still bomber, but the placements are awkward and a few difficult may be difficult. 
• A3: Many placements are difficult, but there is the occasional bomber piece. 
• A4: There are several placements in a row that will hold nothing more than body weight. 

• A5: 20 meters (60 ft) or more of body placements in a row.

 

In Europe, where most aid climbs were made long ago, this scale may be adjusted downward. Put simply, A3 placements are difficult, but will hold a short fall. A4 will involve some body weight placements, but not necessarily many in a row. And A5 is just unheard of. In Europe, A0 is used to indicate that fixed (and solid) pro is in place. 

In the USA, modern equipment and the unrelentless drive to climb ever bigger and more difficult Big Walls, has pushed aid climbing to limits that were unimaginable a few decades ago. This has also changed the interpretation of the rating scales. This is how John Long and John Middendorf interpret the modern aid climbing ratings it in their 'Big Wall' book: 

• A0: Hanging from gear, stepping on pitons, pulling up on nuts, etc. Everything that doesn't require aiders and can't be honestly called 'free climbing'. Also known as "french free". 
• A1: Easy aid. Placements are easy and bomber. Each piece should hold a fall. 
• A2: Moderate aid. Solid but often awkward and strenuous placements. Maybe a difficult placement or two above good pro. Falls pose no danger. 
• A2+: Moderate aid, but with more tenuous placements above good pro. There is a potential for serious falls, but these will generally be otherwise uneventfull. 
• A3: Hard aid. Requires many tenuous placements in a row and pieces need to be tested before weighting them. There should be solid placements within the pitch, but they are rather few and far between. During a fall, up to eight pieces of pro may rip out, but there generally is little serious danger. Takes several hours to complete a pitch. 
• A3+: A3, but with a dangerous fall potential. 
• A4: Serious aid. Most placements hold little less than body weight and falls are serious affairs. Being 10 to 15 meters (30 to 50 ft) above the last solid piece is not uncommon. 
• A4+: Very serious aid. Placements are often very marginal and pitches require many hours to complete. 
• A5: Extreme aid. No piece in the whole pitch can be trusted to hold a fall. No bolts or rivets in A5 pitches. 
• A6: A5 with poor belays that won't hold a fall. The leader pops and the whole team is airborne. No one sane has ever done this, and no one insane who tried came back to tell us about it.