expression, noun-modifying (irregular)
threatening; menacing
Describes a voice, tone, or words that carry an intimidating, gangster-like menace. Often used in contexts involving yakuza or tough characters.
See also: ドスの効いた声
He said 'Don't move' in a threatening voice.
That actor is good at menacing performances.
Standard kanji-katakana spelling; ドス is a slang term for a threatening tone or menace.
Variant using 利く instead of 効く; both are common.
Kana spelling of ドス; less common but still seen.
Kana spelling with 利く variant.
From ドス (slang for a threatening tone, possibly from the sound of a sword being drawn or from a dialectal word) + 効いた (past form of 効く, 'to be effective'). The phrase literally means 'with menace working effectively'.