駄菓子

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 駄菓子 is read だがし and means simple, inexpensive sweets or snacks.
• Basic usage: It is used for a child choosing treats with an allowance or describing an old-fashioned snack shop.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Treats and the shop
  • 駄菓子屋(だがしや) is a shop selling these treats. The final 屋(や) identifies the shop.