Spelunker

Definitions

1. One who explores caves; one who spelunks.
   Canada, US
2. An amateur or inadequately prepared caver.
   derogatory

Equivalents

Examples

“I took to fishing, on mountain brooks and lakes, and finally I was inveigled into becoming a spelunker. A spelunker is a human worm who crawls into caves ("splunca" is Latin for cave) and explores them.”

“I am officially a spelunker – but not yet a caver. The dictionary definition of spelunking is “exploring caves for sport.” Serious enthusiasts shun the term, however. They are cavers. A spelunker is an inexperienced amateur. On this dry and balmy mid-November Saturday, our group contains three spelunkers and two cavers.”

“But the scariest of all’s the witless caver; Spelunker is the name⟳ that he goes by. He caves alone with just one light⟳, A worn-out rope, and boots too tight, Looking for a cave in which to die⟳.”

“it is a truth that every caver was once a spelunker with a flashlight and a tangled ball of string.”

““‘Cavers,’” the editor notes, “generally consider⟳ ‘spelunkers’ to be people who have⟳ no real knowledge or understanding of caves and caving safety, but who decide⟳ to enter⟳ a cave anyway, usually without proper equipment.””

CEFR level