BOKKO-RI ぼっこり
Meanings
Describes something bulging or swelling outward to an unpleasant, conspicuous, or unattractive degree.
Examples
A large lump suddenly appeared on my forehead. Should I go to the hospital?
急におでこに、ぼっこりしたしこりができた。病院に行った方がいいかな？
Dogmatic Opinion
POKKO-RI can evoke the cute rounded belly of a small child.
BOKKO-RI looks at a similar outward bulge much less kindly. There is a negative gaze toward the swelling itself: it looks excessive, ugly, worrying, or simply wrong.
So the direction is important. BOKKO-RI protrudes outward; it is not a dent or hollow.
Related Words
For Japanese Learners
Bulging, swollen, a noticeable bump, a large lump, and sticking out may fit. For a forehead, a swollen lump or noticeable bump is natural. Do not confuse BOKKO-RI with words for something dented, hollow, or sunken.
