machi-yakko; townsman vigilantes
Historical term for Edo-period townsmen who formed gangs, wore flashy clothing, and fought against the hatamoto-yakko (samurai gangs).
See also: 旗本奴
The machi-yakko were groups of townsmen who opposed the hatamoto-yakko during the Edo period.
Compound of 町 (machi, 'town') and 奴 (yakko, 'servant; fellow'), referring to townsmen who adopted a flashy, rebellious style.