Jerkiness
/ˈdʒɜːr.ki.nəs/noun
The quality of being jerky, abrupt, or uneven in movement, sound, or behavior.
Did you know?Unlike words with occult roots, *jerkiness* is a plain English formation from *jerky* + *-ness*, and *jerk* likely began as an imitation of a quick sharp motion before becoming the verb and noun we use today.
Etymological Timeline
16th-17th Century
English
jerk
“To make a sudden sharp movement; also a quick pull or twitch.”
18th Century
English
jerky
“Characterized by sudden, uneven, or spasmodic motion.”
18th-19th Century
English
jerkiness
“The state or quality of being jerky or uneven.”
Modern English
English
jerkiness
“Unevenness or abruptness in movement, sound, or behavior.”