Definition

Excellent, impressive, or awesome; also used to describe something twisted, knotted, gnarled, or visually interesting in a rough way. In slang, it conveys strong approval for something cool or exciting, often used in action sports contexts.

Example Usage

That was a gnarly wave to surf this morning!

Origin

From gnarl, meaning to snarl or twist (from gnarled, twisted wood), combined with -y; popularized by California surf culture in the 1970s-80s

Fun Fact

Unlike 'rad,' which became mainstream, 'gnarly' remains more associated with surf and skate subcultures, though both peaked in the 1980s.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

Related Terms

Beginner

Friend crush

When romantic feelings ambush you out of nowhere for someone you've been platonically close with—the terrifying blur between 'best friend' and 'potential partner.'

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Beginner

megan and jordan

The cutest couple you will ever meet. They are very romantic and take things slow, but once the get started, they won’t stop. They are going to last forever and get married. They are the couple everyone wants to be. But they do get into fights every now and then. If you know a Megan and a Jordan, get them together, because they will be perfect

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Beginner

snude

A comment or remark that manages to be both rude and snide simultaneously—a perfectly blended cocktail of condescension and disrespect delivered as casual conversation.

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Advanced

snåljåp

A discount-obsessed haggler convinced they can negotiate a $700 monitor down to $200 through sheer audacity and lowball persistence—where confidence and delusion intersect at the checkout counter.

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Beginner

mercury retrograde

An astrological phenomenon believed to occur when Mercury appears to move backward in its orbit relative to Earth, supposedly causing communication breakdowns, technology malfunctions, and relationship complications. It occurs three to four times per year for about three weeks each.

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Beginner

wtfwtf

what the f**k was that for?

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang

Translate This Term

See “gnarly” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on XShare on FacebookShare on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Intermediate

banner blindness

The phenomenon where users subconsciously ignore banner ads and anything that looks like advertising, developed through ...