interjection
impossible; futile; no use
Interjection expressing that something is hopeless or pointless. Derived from Chinese 不彀本 (bùgòuběn), meaning 'not worth it' or 'can't break even'. Used in casual, often old-fashioned or slangy contexts.
from Chinese bùgòuběn
もうポコペンだ。諦めよう。
It's no use anymore. Let's give up.
noun
children's game (type of)
A specific children's game, though details are obscure. The term itself may be used as the name of the game.
昔、子供たちはポコペンという遊びをしていたらしい。
It seems that children used to play a game called pokopen in the old days.
noun
Derogatory and obsolete term for a Chinese person. Highly offensive; included only for recognition in historical contexts.
戦前の文献に「ポコペン」という差別語が現れることがある。
The derogatory term 'pokopen' sometimes appears in pre-war documents.
From Chinese 不彀本 (bùgòuběn), meaning 'not worth it' or 'can't break even'. The Japanese reading ポコペン is an approximation of the Chinese sounds. The derogatory sense likely developed from the interjection, used dismissively toward Chinese people.