reek of desperation; feeling of desperation
Describes a state or atmosphere where someone's desperation is palpable. Often used when a person's actions or demeanor clearly show they are at their wit's end.
There was a hint of desperation in the way he spoke.
My job hunt has dragged on, and lately I'm starting to feel desperate.
やけくそ is a stronger, more colloquial noun/adjective meaning 'desperation' or 'recklessness from despair', often used in phrases like やけくそになる. やけ気味 is milder, suggesting a touch or tendency toward desperation.
自暴自棄 is a formal four-character compound meaning 'abandonment to despair' or 'total desperation'. やけ気味 is more casual and describes a less extreme state.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling that clearly shows the reading and meaning; avoids the rare ateji 自棄 and the misleading 焼け.
Katakana spelling of the first part adds emphasis or a colloquial feel.
Uses the ateji 自棄 for やけ; rarely seen and may confuse readers.
Literally 'burnt tendency', but used here as ateji for やけ; easily misinterpreted.
Combines やけ (desperation, from the verb やける meaning 'to be desperate' or 'to become reckless') with 気味 (ぎみ, 'tendency' or 'touch of'). The kanji 自棄 and 焼け are ateji; the origin of やけ itself is uncertain.