spelunker

Noun

spelunker (plural spelunkers)

1. (Canada, US) One who explores caves; one who spelunks.
   • 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.1943, Clay Perry, Author and Journalist Magazine

   Synonyms:

   caver, potholer

2. (derogatory) An amateur or inadequately prepared caver.
   • 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...2002, Doug van Hemessen, “Caved in: Inside a crevice cave on the Niagara Escarpment”, in Seasons, volume 43, page 41
   • 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.2003, Dangerous Dick & the Duckbusters, “Creepy Crawlways”