harsh criticism; trashing; tearing apart
Used when someone is severely criticized or verbally torn apart, often in a blunt or exaggerated way. Common in phrases like ボロカスに言う or ボロカスに書かれる.
His new work was harshly criticized online.
Refers to something of little or no value, often used dismissively. Less common than the criticism sense; may appear in phrases like ボロカス同然.
I felt down after my boss tore my proposal apart.
This old computer is just junk now.
Katakana spelling is common; no kanji spelling is used; the word is usually written in kana.
Hiragana spelling is also used; the word is usually written in kana.
Rare kanji form; it is rarely used. Learners should use kana.
The word is a compound of ぼろ (rags, tatters, something worthless) and かす (dregs, lees, waste). The combination intensifies the sense of worthlessness or severe treatment. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it likely emerged as a colloquial expression.