gnarly
Rugged and twisted
Gnarly began as surfer slang for waves that are dangerously large or difficult—knotted and twisted like the gnarls on an old tree.
From there it split two ways.
In admiring use, gnarly means impressively extreme or hardcore: That skateboard trick was gnarly.
In negative use, it describes something unpleasant, ugly, or gross: a gnarly wound, gnarly traffic.
Context usually makes the intent clear.
Extremely impressive or overwhelming
- radicalRoot-indicating symbol
- sickUnwell or impressively cool
- epicImpressively grand in scope
- killerOne who causes death
insane · wicked · badass · legendary · stellar · incredible · phenomenal · outstanding
Wound around itself
- knottedTied with loops
- weatheredEroded by exposure
- ancientVery old indeed
- burledHaving twisted wood grain
arthritic · wizened · crooked · bent · warped · contorted · misshapen · rugged
Elaborately detailed, many parts
- convolutedExcessively complex or twisted
- tangledTwisted confusedly together
- labyrinthineExtremely complex and winding
- byzantineDauntingly intricate and devious
knotty · multifaceted · complicated · perplexing · puzzling · thorny · tricky · sophisticated
Hard to accomplish
- arduousDemanding strenuous effort
- toughDurable and strong
- gruelingExtremely tiring and demanding
- brutalSavagely harsh or severe
punishing · demanding · formidable · daunting · strenuous · taxing · backbreaking · hellish
Root-indicating symbol
- intenseExtreme in degree
- hardcoreUncompromisingly devoted
- adrenalineEmergency response hormone
- thrillingIntensely exciting
death-defying · high-octane · fearless · daring · bold · insane · wild · crazy
Likely to cause injury
- perilousFraught with danger
- treacherousDisloyal and dangerous
- riskyInvolving possible harm
- precariousDangerously insecure
dicey · hairy · sketchy · menacing · threatening · ominous · intimidating · death-defying
awesome
Extremely impressive or overwhelming
killer · insane · wicked · badass · legendary · stellar · incredible · phenomenal · outstanding · mind-blowing
twisted
Wound around itself
burled · arthritic · wizened · crooked · bent · warped · contorted · misshapen · rugged · textured
intricate
Elaborately detailed, many parts
- convolutedExcessively complex or twisted
- tangledTwisted confusedly together
- labyrinthineExtremely complex and winding
byzantine · knotty · multifaceted · complicated · perplexing · puzzling · thorny · tricky · sophisticated · nuanced
challenging
Hard to accomplish
brutal · punishing · demanding · formidable · daunting · strenuous · taxing · backbreaking · hellish · murderous
radical
Root-indicating symbol
- intenseExtreme in degree
- hardcoreUncompromisingly devoted
- adrenalineEmergency response hormone
thrilling · death-defying · high-octane · fearless · daring · bold · insane · wild · crazy · outrageous
hazardous
Likely to cause injury
- perilousFraught with danger
- treacherousDisloyal and dangerous
- riskyInvolving possible harm
precarious · dicey · hairy · sketchy · menacing · threatening · ominous · intimidating · death-defying · white-knuckle
wave
Oscillating motion through medium
swell · break · reef · wipeout · drop · face · lip · curl · hollow · overhead
gross
Total before subtractions
vile · foul · putrid · rancid · fetid · rank · slimy · oozing · festering · crusty
gnarlysmooth
Without roughness or difficulty
sleek · polished · silky · unblemished · even
gnarlystraight
Not curved or crooked
regular · uniform · symmetrical · orderly · streamlined
- gnarled rootsTwisted underground tree parts