Original from 70's surfspeak - to describe waves that are violently breaking without the form that would render them more rideable. Can also describe less than ideal females.
"I'm bailing on this session-waves are too gnarly" "I had to ditch her friend, she was lookin' gnarly"
by Darrell Hawkins November 24, 2002

adjective; used to describe anything really far out and amazing, not necessarily lovely; an extraordinary stunt, or event. Also, onomatopoeia.
"That was/is SO gnarly!"
by Jessica February 16, 2004

by Gnarly Wear Dude April 17, 2006

by toocoolforyourmomma November 24, 2009

by don b March 01, 2007

by Eazy eeeeeee September 12, 2006
