Jerkily
/ˈdʒɜːr.kɪ.li/noun
In a jerky, abrupt, or uneven manner.
Did you know?The core verb *jerk* is likely imitative, echoing a sudden sharp movement, which is why English later used it for abrupt physical motion and then transferred it into style, speech, and behavior.
Etymological Timeline
Late 16th Century
English
jerk
“To make a sudden sharp movement or tug; to move convulsively.”
Late 16th Century
English
jerky
“Characterized by sudden starts and stops; uneven in motion.”
Early 19th Century
English
jerkily
“In a jerky manner; with abrupt, uneven motions.”
Modern English
English
jerkily
“In an abrupt, uneven, or stop-start way.”