担ぎ屋
か
つ
ぎ
や
Meanings
1
Refers to someone who is easily influenced by superstitions or omens, often in a light or teasing way.
He's a superstitious person who believes in omens, and draws a fortune slip every morning.
2
practical joker; prankster
Someone who enjoys playing tricks or teasing others; the nuance comes from 担ぐ meaning 'to trick' or 'to pull someone's leg'.
That prankster spread fake news again and surprised everyone.
3
peddler; itinerant salesman; black-market peddler
Historically refers to a street vendor carrying goods on a pole over the shoulder. The black-market sense is specifically post-WWII.
In the chaotic post-war period, black-market peddlers went around selling goods in the black markets.