noun
being kept uninformed; out of the loop
Figurative use derived from the literal 'deaf seat' in a theater. Describes a situation where someone is deliberately or inadvertently excluded from information or decisions. The term つんぼ is now considered discriminatory; this expression is sensitive and should be used with caution.
重要な会議に呼ばれず、つんぼ桟敷に置かれた気分だ。
I wasn't invited to the important meeting, and I feel like I've been kept in the dark.
noun
upper gallery with poor acoustics; blind seat
Archaic literal meaning: a seat in a theater (especially in the upper gallery) where the performance cannot be heard well. The term originally referred to seats for deaf people, but is now obsolete and offensive.
江戸時代の芝居小屋には、つんぼ桟敷と呼ばれる席があった。
In Edo-period playhouses, there were seats called 'tsunbo sajiki' (deaf seats).