ポコペン

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。諦あきらめよう。

  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.

• 昔むかし、子こ供どもたちはポコペンという遊あそ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

Chinese person; Chink

Derogatory and obsolete term for a Chinese person. Highly offensive; included only for recognition in historical contexts.

• 戦せん前ぜんの文ぶん献けんに「ポコペン」という差さ別べつ語ごが現あらわれることがある。

  The derogatory term 'pokopen' sometimes appears in pre-war documents.