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In my role-playing games in Middle-Earth I've always used a distinction between the three dwarven houses of the West: the Longbeards, the Firebeards and the Broadbeams (see of Dwarves and Men in History of Middle-Earth).

But as I play in spanish, I've always had a problem translating the Broadbeams. Does "beam" mean something special in this case? I've seen it used for "moon beam", or "laser beam", as a ray of light, but it doesn't make a lot of sense (I think) referring to dwarves.

Can you help me undestand if Broadbeam is an expression for something that eludes my limited knowledge of english?

The spanish translation of the book says "Nalgudos", which means "Big buttocks", but I don't see it fits with a dwarven house...

That's a pretty accurate translation of one of the English meanings, as in wide hips. Could also be used regarding a ship as in she's got a broad-beam, meaning a wide hull. I've not heard it used to describe a person though, except maybe in a very derogatory manner.

A beam can also be a support element in construction, I think that in spanish it's called "viga". Although I'm not sure that having a clan called "Viga Ancha" will be an improvement.

Thanks to both for the answers.

Maybe something in the line of "broad foundations", referring either to a certain attachment to earth or to very big feet could be more fitting to dwarves.

Interestingly enough, the other names of the clans do refer to either their beards -Longbeards, Firebeards, Stiffbeards- or their hands/feet -Ironfists, Stonefoots-. Maybe Broadbeams might refer to very broad legs and/or feet.

As an additional question: any special meaning also for the Blacklocks? I translate Lock as "closed with a key", but again, doesn't make much sense to me.

locks as in locks of hair - Goldilocks and the Three Bears

So Blacklocks - dark or black hair

Hermes Serpent wrote:locks as in locks of hair - Goldilocks and the Three Bears

So Blacklocks - dark or black hair

Perfect!!

Hermes Serpent wrote:locks as in locks of hair - Goldilocks and the Three Bears

So Blacklocks - dark or black hair

And probably curled one as well.

Concerning the Broadbeams, it might refer to a typically broad build (even for dwarven standards). IIRC in The Hobbit or LotR it is mentioned that Bombur is not of Durin's tribe and it is tempting to see him as a Broadbeam (but he might be overweight even to their standards).
So in short, the Broadbeams are probably characterised by their overall broad and squat built compared to the other tribes.

Cheers
Tolwen

Regarding Blacklocks,the first image that came to my mind was this:

A beam is usually a lateral support structure, like a heavy wooden crosspiece. I would interpret as one of the following:

-their preference for using heavy foundations and thick construction techniques (a literal interpretation)
-a metaphor for a physical quality like a very broad shoulder set or a strong, wide back.

Falenthal wrote: Can you help me undestand if Broadbeam is an expression for something that eludes my limited knowledge of english?

The spanish translation of the book says "Nalgudos", which means "Big buttocks", but I don't see it fits with a dwarven house...

Beam has several english meanings
1a) synonym for ray, as in beam of light
1b) (uncommon) Transmission, as in radio or television
2) horizontal Structural element that bears heavy loads
3) width of a ship or aircraft
4) (slang) to strike with a heavy wooden implement
5) (slang) girder, as in steel frame construction

broadbeam is a naval term for a very wide ship. Nearly synonymous with widebottom.
Broadbeam is also an adaptation of a construction phrase for a wide, heavy beam.

Tolkien's use is probably punning on both the structural member and the width... and "big buttocks" would be a good anatomical rendition of widebottom (bottom being used as a colloquialism for buttocks).