For climbing definitions used within this web site and the world of climbing please select a letter from below.
Daisy Chain - n. A sown webbing sling with multiple loops used in aiding and belay stations.
Dead Hang - adj. The process of simply hanging from a hold or feature with the arms completely straight. This allows the body weight to be taken by the skeletal structure rather than the musculature of the climber. It allows the muscles in the arm and back to relax as they are not taking the weight. Good to do if composing for a difficult technical move mid pitch where you can dead hang instead of hold and also as a warm down after a climbing session as a stretch.
Deadman - n. Deadmans anchor - A metal spade like plate dug into deep snow for use as an anchor.
Deadpoint - n. to catch a hold at the apex of upward momentum at the point where the climber will experience the least force. (see "dyno"). 2. (vb.) to perform a deadpoint
Death wobbles - The eerie sensation of uncontrollable twitching legs when awkwardly balanced or the legs are pumping out. . Often know as ‘Elvis Leg’ or ‘Disco Leg’. It is the indication that the climber is tired or uncomfortable on the foot hold.
Deck - v. To "deck" or to "deck out" or "hit the deck" is to take a fall resulting in a impact on the floor, often resulting in serious injury or death.
Descender - n. Any device used to abseil (rappel U.S.) . ie: a figure 8, rappel rack, stitch plate or Belay device.
Dihedral - n. A corner. Literally, the word means two planes coming together. It may be a 90 degree corner, and it may be more or less than 90 degrees. (Right, obtuse, acute angles.)
"Dirt me" - US slang which means as much as 'Lower me'. Not to be used in the UK, particularly around the Soho area of London.
Disco Leg - adj. Also known as 'sewing maching leg' or 'Elvis Leg'. Refers to the uncontrollable shaking of the leg(s) while climbing. Result of tired leg muscles. – legs are said to be ‘pumping out’.
Dog (to dog a move) - Climbing, lowering, climbing again till a certain move is made (the usual mode of ascent...). It’s a practice term and it is how technical climbers get better etc.
Dogging - v. short for 'hang-dogging'. Refers to spending large amounts of time hanging in the harness while working a climb. Often when working out the crux of a route. It is pointless climbing the whole way to the crux and then bailing at the point you are trying to overcome. The belayer holds you at the crux so you can practice the holds etc.
Doubled Back or Doubling Back - adj. Putting the harness webbing loop back through the buckle when putting it on. In essence it prevents webbing straps from slipping when the harness is in use or particularly during a fall. See How to fit a Metolius 3D harness for a diagram.
Double fisherman's knot - Solid knot used to tie two ropes or pieces of webbing together (Aka grapevine knot).
Double rope - Same as a half rope. Also the technique using two half ropes.
Downclimb - vb. The process of climbing down from a successful or unsuccessful ascent. This should be done more at Indoor Climbing Routes as it is an excellent training regime to make a climber stronger and possess more stamina, rather than ascending and then abseiling down.
Draw - n. short for "quickdraw", a piece of gear consisting of two Karibiners connected by a length of rope or nylon webbing. Often used to attach the rope to points of protection such as bolts etc.
Drop knee - n. a technique requiring the downward turning of the knee to increase reach efficiency.
Dry tool (to dry tool) - To ascend a section of rock using ice tools - very common in mixed climbing.
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.
Dyneema - n. A very strong material used to make slings. Thinner and lighter than typical nylon webbing. Called 'spectra' in the US.
Dyno - n. abbreviation for "dynamic
movement", a move that requires some use of momentum. (antonym: static
movement) 2. (vb.) to perform a dyno. Often a dyno is the art of pulling
down very hard on a hand hold or feature to launch the climber upwards to
grab at another hold. Often done by show offs at climbing walls to impress
girls/boys/themselves.
