Definition

Aussie surf slang for something extreme—either impressively awesome or rough, dangerous, or difficult.

Examples

"The sets were gnarly this arvo — double-overhead and sucking off the reef, mate."

"That air you stomped was gnarly; the whole crew on the beach was frothing."

"Paddling out through that rip was gnarly — I copped a few on the head before I made the lineup."