What’s the meaning of altcoins and “shitcoins” rather than gambling?

First of all, I’m completely new to the crypto and just starting to research, but the one thought never leaves my mind : what’s the purpose of all those hundreds and thousands “not major” coins rather than gambling ? Especially what’s the meaning of holding and accommodating them in your portfolio? With btc and eth - I get it, you can actually use them as a payment, buy and sell something, but what the hell can you buy with some Pepe coin? Is it just a new way of gambling? Will they not just go down in the long run , because there’s no use in them ? P.s sorry for my english