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Sep 20, 2023 · The term gnarly is an internet slang word that is used to describe something extreme, intense, or unbelievable. It originated in the 1970s among surfers to describe waves that were so intense they were almost impossible to ride. As time went on, the term expanded to describe anything that is extreme or impressive in terms of design and style ...
- The Origins of The Word
- The Adoption by Surf Culture
- Positive and Negative Connotations
- "Gnarly": The Use in A Sentence
- Popularity and Growth
Etymologists believe that the expression originates from the word "gnarled," which means knobbly, rough, and twisted, especially with age. "Gnarled" is an 18th-century variant of "knarled," which derives from "knar" - a knot or protuberance on a root or tree trunk. For around 200 years (1750-1950), the word kept its literal meaning. But suddenly, s...
According to historians, California surf culture adopted the term in the 1960s and 1970s, and it spread throughout other anglophone nations such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. Some say it was uttered for the first time at a California surf break where Monterey cypress and Torrey pine grew. The area was full of trees with gnarle...
The word "gnarly" can be used with both derogatory and negative connotations. The interpretation and literal meaning of the term depend on the tone of voice and context in which it is mentioned. In a way, it's a similar process to what happened with "broisms." Nevertheless, in most cases, "gnarly" has a positive meaning or transmits a positive idea...
Let's take a look at the use of "gnarly" in daily conversations and frequent social interactions. On a positive note, we could hear: "What a gnarly wave, dude!" or "Gnarly! That was a sick barrel, dude." In a negative tone, we could have the following examples: "That was a pretty gnarly wipeout!" or "Look at those greasy fries - that's gnarly!" It'...
The popularity of the word can be observed in the graph below. After a spike in use (1850-1950), the expression's popularity nearly went down the drain. However, the surfers' synonym for cool and treacherous grew exponentially in the early 1980s. Hollywood blockbuster "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" might have helped boost the adoption of surf speak...
May 4, 2023 · The slang term "gnarly" originated in the 1970s surfing culture to describe dangerous or challenging waves and gained popularity as surfing itself became more widespread. By the 1980s, the term expanded beyond the surfing community and was adopted by youth culture to describe various situations, conveying both "excellent" and "disgusting ...
The meaning of GNARLY is gnarled. How to use gnarly in a sentence.
Nov 9, 2024 · Introduction to Gnarly. The word “gnarly” originated in the surfing culture of the 1980s and has evolved into a multifaceted slang term used in various contexts. While it initially described the complicated texture of a gnarly wave, today it carries an array of meanings that denote both extreme and positive experiences.
Sep 27, 2024 · gnarly (comparative gnarlier, superlative gnarliest) Having or characterized by gnarls; gnarled. Out of one window I can see the garden, those mysterious deep-shaded arbors, the riotous old-fashioned flowers, and bushes and gnarly trees. (slang) Excellent; attractive.
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Jun 30, 2020 · The slang version of gnarly can be traced back to the 1970s, when surfers used it to describe a dangerous wave. By the 1980s, it spread, as teens used gnarly to mean both “excellent” and “disgusting.” What does nasty mean? Nasty is something that’s “physically filthy” or “disgustingly unclean.” The adjective can also refer to ...
