also: ひるとび
noun
sneak thief; daytime prowler
Refers to a thief who operates during the day, often entering homes when residents are out. The term is somewhat dated and may appear in historical or crime contexts.
昭和の時代には、昼鳶が空き巣を狙うことが多かった。
In the Showa era, daytime sneak thieves often targeted empty houses.
noun
pickpocketing
Specifically refers to the act of pickpocketing, often in crowded daytime settings. This usage is less common than スリ.
祭りの人混みで昼鳶に財布をすられた。
I had my wallet stolen by a pickpocket in the festival crowd.
Compound of 昼 (daytime) and 鳶 (kite, a bird of prey), likening a daytime thief to a kite swooping down. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.