type
adjective
pronounced
/gnarly/
emerged
recent
status
fading

gnarly

   nostalgic surf slang

the one-line answer

Extreme, impressive, or difficult. Old-school for very good or very intense.

Gnarly comes from surf culture meaning a wave that is dangerous and impressive simultaneously. Extended to anything extreme or impressive. Now nostalgic but still used ironically.

fading

Well known in specific communities.

01 / in the wild

hear it move.

reaction
that wipeout was gnarly. are you okay?
That crash was intense and impressive in its severity.