__ to the core (6)

I believe the answer is:

rotten

(Other definitions for rotten that I've seen before include "Falling to pieces from age or morally contemptible" , "Putrefied; punk leader" , "Decayed - to the core" , "Dedayed, stinking" , "Decayed or despicable" .)

I've seen this clue in the LA Times.

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