noun
piece of junk; worn-out thing
Refers to a broken-down, useless object, often a machine or vehicle. Colloquial and slightly derogatory.
このパソコンはもうポンコツだ。
This computer is a piece of junk now.
あの選手は最近ポンコツだね。
That player has been useless lately.
私って本当にポンコツで、すぐ忘れちゃう。
I'm really no good; I forget things right away.
noun
dismantled car; scrapped vehicle
Specifically a car that has been taken apart for parts or scrap. A specialized use within the junk sense.
このポンコツから使える部品を取ろう。
Let's take usable parts from this dismantled car.
noun
Dated slang for a punch or hitting someone. Rarely used in modern Japanese.
昔の不良はポンコツをくらわすなんて言ったらしい。
Apparently old-time delinquents used to say things like 'give 'em a punch'.
The exact origin is uncertain. It may be related to the sound of something breaking or being struck, but there is no clear historical derivation.