noun
unkempt hair and dirty face; indifferent to personal appearance
A yojijukugo describing a disheveled, neglected appearance, often implying a lack of concern for grooming. Used in literary or formal contexts.
彼は蓬頭垢面の姿で現れた。
He appeared with unkempt hair and a dirty face.
蓬頭垢面のまま人前に出るのは失礼だ。
It is rude to appear in public looking so disheveled.
不精 refers to laziness or slovenliness in general, while 蓬頭垢面 specifically describes a disheveled physical appearance.
A yojijukugo of Chinese origin, combining 蓬 (disheveled hair), 頭 (head), 垢 (dirt), and 面 (face). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the phrase is conventionally associated with a neglected appearance.