noun
gossip; tattletale; scandal-monger
Refers to a person who spreads rumors or gossip, often with a negative connotation. The word is derived from the image of someone clanging a metal rod to attract attention, akin to spreading news noisily.
彼は町の金棒引きで、誰の噂でもすぐに広める。
He is the town gossip, quickly spreading rumors about anyone.
noun
Obsolete term for a night watchman who would patrol the streets, often carrying a metal rod to strike and alert residents. No longer in common use.
江戸時代、金棒引きは夜の町を見回り、火の用心を呼びかけた。
In the Edo period, the night watchman patrolled the town at night, calling out warnings about fire.