色いろ子こ

noun

kabuki actor who also works as a male prostitute

Historical term for a young kabuki actor who also engaged in male prostitution, especially in the Edo period. Compare 陰間 (かげま).

See also: かげま

• 江え戸ど時じ代だい、色いろ子こは舞ぶ台たいに立たつ一いっ方ぽうで、客きゃくを取とることもあった。

  In the Edo period, iroko performed on stage while also sometimes taking clients.