Colloquial term describing a person with a fundamentally gloomy, pessimistic, or introverted personality. Often contrasted with 根明 (ねあか, 'cheerful by nature'). Used as a noun or na-adjective.
General adjective for 'dark' or 'gloomy'. 根暗 specifically refers to an inherent personality trait, while 暗い can describe temporary moods or physical darkness.
Etymology
Compound of 根 (ne, 'root, nature') and 暗 (kura, 'dark'). The reading ねくら is a straightforward combination of the kun'yomi of each character. The word likely emerged as slang in the late 20th century, contrasting with 根明 (neaka).
