The word "gnarly" has various meanings in skateboarding and surfing. It is often used by skaters and surfers to express excitement, danger, or awesomeness. Both skateboarding and surfing cultures have adopted the term to describe challenging waves, awesome skills, and reckless behavior.
Usage of "Gnarly" in Skateboarding
Skateboarders use the term "gnarly" to describe anything awesome, amazing, dangerous, crazy, and reckless. It can be used as both an adverb and adjective to emphasize the intensity or difficulty of a trick or wave.
Origin of the Slang Term "Gnarly"
The slang term "gnarly" originated in the 1960s surf culture to describe dangerous and difficult waves. It transitioned into skateboarding slang and became popular in the 1980s, evolving to mean both excellent and disgusting, before settling into a primarily positive connotation.
Roger Callen’s Claim on the Origin of "Gnarly"
According to Roger Callen, the term "gnarly" evolved from his experiences in metal shop class and surfing. He associated the term with bumpy surfaces created by a tool called a "gnarl tool" in metalworking, which influenced his use of the term to describe choppy waves in surfing, eventually spreading to his friend group and beyond.
Earnings and Safety in Skateboarding
Professional skateboarders can earn substantial monthly incomes, with some top earners reaching seven-digit salaries through brand endorsements. Skating at night can present additional risks compared to daytime sessions, although it is not always inherently more dangerous.