Jerk
/dʒɜːrk/noun
To make a sudden sharp movement, or a foolish or unpleasant person.
Did you know?The English verb and noun came up through South African English, where it described a sharp, convulsive motion; the insult meaning is much newer and grew from the idea of someone acting abruptly or crudely.
Etymological Timeline
19th Century
English
jerk
“A sudden sharp movement; later, an annoying or contemptible person.”
19th Century
South African English
jerk
“A sharp convulsive movement, especially of a horse or vehicle.”
19th Century
Dutch
jerk
“A quick pull or twitch.”
Unknown
Uncertain
?
“The deeper origin is unclear; the word’s earlier history is not securely established.”