noun
nesting boxes; boxes that fit inside each other
Refers to a set of boxes or containers designed to stack or nest inside one another, often used in traditional settings.
この掛け子は、大小の箱がぴったり重なるように作られている。
These nesting boxes are made so that the large and small boxes fit snugly together.
noun
hiding one's true feelings
Figurative use derived from the nesting boxes image; describes a person who conceals their emotions or intentions.
彼はいつも掛け子のような態度で、本心が見えない。
He always has a nesting-box-like attitude, and I can't see his true feelings.
noun
scammer who calls the victim; person in a scam whose role is to telephone the victim
Only when written 掛子 / 掛け子
Slang term used in fraud contexts; the person who makes the initial phone call to the victim, often part of a larger scam operation. Compare 出し子 (the person who withdraws the money).
See also: 出し子
振り込め詐欺では、まず掛け子が被害者に電話をかける。
In bank transfer scams, the 'kakego' first calls the victim.
Rare variant using 籠 (basket) for the nesting boxes sense.
Rare variant using 懸 (hang) and 籠 (basket).
In scam contexts, 掛け子 is the caller who deceives the victim, while 出し子 is the person who physically withdraws the money.
Literally 'hanging child' or 'hanging box'. The nesting boxes sense comes from the image of boxes that hang or fit into each other. The scammer sense is slang derived from the idea of someone who 'hooks' victims by phone.