パチンコ
Meanings
1
pachinko; Japanese pinball-like gambling game
Vertical mechanical gambling game played in pachinko parlors; balls are launched and fall through pins to win more balls.
I often go play pachinko on weekends.
I hit a jackpot on the pachinko machine.
2
A hand-held Y-shaped device for shooting small projectiles; the word mimics the snapping sound.
I played with a slingshot when I was a child.
3
Colloquial slang for a handgun, likening the shooting sound to the game or slingshot.
The gangster was carrying a concealed pistol.
Usage patterns
- パチンコをするto play pachinko
On my days off I often play pachinko.
- パチンコで〈物〉を撃つto shoot something with a slingshot
The boy shot an empty can with his slingshot.
- パチンコに行くto go to a pachinko parlor
I went to a pachinko parlor with a friend.
- パチンコで儲けるto win money playing pachinko
He won a lot of money playing pachinko.