noun
Derogatory term for actors, originating from Edo-period Kyoto where unlicensed performers acted on the dry riverbed near Shijō Bridge, likening them to beggars. Now dated and offensive; modern neutral terms are 俳優 or 役者.
In the Edo period, actors who performed on the Shijō riverbank were called 'riverbank beggars'.
今では「河原乞食」は差別的な言葉として使われない。
Nowadays, 'kawara kojiki' is not used as it is a discriminatory term.