How Do You Spell JERK?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɜːk] (IPA)

The word "jerk" is spelled using the letters J-E-R-K. In terms of phonetics, it is transcribed as /dʒɜːk/. The first sound, /dʒ/, represents the voiced palato-alveolar affricate, which is a combination of the /d/ and /ʒ/ sounds. The second sound, /ɜː/, represents the open-mid central unrounded vowel. Finally, the last sound, /k/, represents the voiceless velar stop. Together, these sounds create the distinctive phonetic pattern that represents the word "jerk."

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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JERK Meaning and Definition

  1. "Jerk" can be defined as both a noun and a verb, with each having distinct connotations.

    As a noun, "jerk" refers to a person who displays impolite, obnoxious, or disrespectful behavior. Such an individual may be characterized by their abrupt or sudden movements, rude remarks, or lack of consideration for others. This term typically implies a sense of annoyance or irritation caused by the person's actions or attitudes, as they often exhibit a lack of empathy or social awareness. Furthermore, a jerk may commonly engage in offensive or selfish behavior, disregarding the feelings or well-being of others.

    As a verb, "jerk" describes the sudden, spasmodic movement or action of an object or a body part. This action is often characterized by a quick, forceful pulling or tugging motion. For instance, one can jerk a rope, a steering wheel, or a door handle. This verb can also be used figuratively to describe an abrupt and jarring movement, such as jerking away from a touch or jerking one's head in surprise.

    Overall, the term "jerk" carries the connotation of rudeness, obnoxiousness, or abruptness in both its noun and verb forms.

  2. 1. A sudden pull. 2. A sharp muscular contraction following a tap on the muscle or its tendon; muscular or tendon reflex, deep reflex.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • To thrust out and draw back suddenly; to give a sudden pull or twitch; to move with a start or by starts; to throw with a quick, smart, arrested motion; to cut, as beef, into long thin slices, in order to dry them for keeping.
    • A short sudden thrust or twitch that shocks or starts; a sudden arrested motion tending to throw or hurl.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for JERK *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for JERK

Etymology of JERK

The word "jerk" has a somewhat unclear etymology, but its origin can be traced back to the 16th century. There are a few theories regarding its etymology:

1. Middle English: One theory suggests that "jerk" comes from the Middle English word "jerkyn", which referred to a type of meat that was salted and dried. This theory suggests that the word was later metaphorically applied to someone who behaves in an abrupt or sudden manner.

2. Old English: Another theory suggests that the origin lies in the Old English word "earc", which means "a sudden movement" or "to move swiftly". The word "jerk" might have evolved from this.

3. Origins: Some sources propose that "jerk" has its roots in West languages such as Wolof or Mandinka. In these languages, "jerky" referred to the process of drying or preserving meat.

Idioms with the word JERK

  • jerk off The idiom "jerk off" typically refers to the act of self-stimulation or masturbation. It is considered vulgar slang and may be used to indicate wasting one's time, procrastinating, or engaging in pointless or selfish behavior.
  • jerk sth off (of) sm or sth The idiom "jerk something off (of) someone or something" typically means to forcefully or abruptly remove or remove quickly something that is attached or clinging to a person or object. It implies using a pulling or jerking motion to dislodge or detach the mentioned item. This phrase is often used figuratively to describe the act of forcefully removing something undesirable or unwanted from a person or situation.
  • jerk sth up The idiom "jerk sth up" refers to the act of abruptly lifting or pulling something upwards with a quick, sudden motion. It typically implies a vigorous or forceful action that happens suddenly and without warning.
  • jerk out The idiom "jerk out" typically means to remove or extract something forcefully or abruptly, often with a sudden and sharp movement.
  • knee-jerk The idiom "knee-jerk" refers to a reaction or response that is immediate, instinctive, and often unthinking or impulsive. It implies that the person's response is automatic, without rational consideration or reflection.
  • soda jerk The term "soda jerk" refers to a person who operates a soda fountain in a drugstore or soda shop. It commonly refers to someone who serves and prepares soda drinks, ice cream floats, and other sweet treats while working behind the counter. The term originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when soda fountains were popular gathering places for youth and families. It is now often used figuratively to describe someone who is skilled at making and serving beverages, or someone who is nostalgically associated with the bygone era of soda fountains.
  • jerk sb around The idiom "jerk someone around" means to treat or manipulate someone in a harsh, insensitive, or disrespectful manner. It refers to the act of intentionally misleading or playing with someone's emotions or expectations, often causing confusion, frustration, or disappointment.
  • knee jerk reaction A knee-jerk reaction refers to an automatic and immediate response to a situation without thoughtful consideration or reflection. It implies a response that is impulsive, instinctive, and often lacking in logical reasoning.
  • jerk sm or sth out of sth The idiom "jerk sm or sth out of sth" means to forcefully or abruptly remove someone or something out of a particular situation or location. It implies a quick and forceful action of pulling or snatching, often without warning or care.
  • jerk around The idiom "jerk around" typically means to treat someone or something disrespectfully, to manipulate or tease someone, or to behave in a dishonest or unreliable manner.
  • jerk someone around To "jerk someone around" means to treat or manipulate someone unfairly, frequently changing plans, instructions, or decisions in a way that disorients or frustrates them. It involves toying with someone's emotions, wasting their time, or leading them on without any genuine intention of follow-through or commitment.
  • jerk something up The idiom "jerk something up" typically refers to the act of abruptly and forcefully lifting or raising something. It implies a sudden and jerky motion rather than a smooth or gradual movement.
  • jerk sth away (from sm, sth, or an animal) The idiom "jerk something away (from someone, something, or an animal)" means to pull or snatch something forcefully or abruptly, often in a sudden or violent manner. It implies a quick and forceful action that might surprise or startle the other person, thing, or animal involved.
  • jerk something away (from someone, something, or an animal) The idiom "jerk something away (from someone, something, or an animal)" refers to forcefully and abruptly pulling or yanking an object away from a person, thing, or creature. This action is often done suddenly and with significant force, typically to prevent someone from holding onto, possessing, or obtaining something. It implies a motion that is quick, vigorous, and sometimes aggressive.
  • jerk sm around The idiom "jerk [someone] around" typically means to treat someone disrespectfully or unfairly, often by manipulating or playing with their feelings or expectations. It implies causing confusion, frustration, or annoyance to the person being "jerked around."
  • jerk someone or something out of something To jerk someone or something out of something means to forcefully or abruptly remove them from a situation, location, or state they are in. It implies a sudden and sometimes violent action, causing the person or thing to be swiftly taken away from their current position or condition.
  • jerk (one's) chain The idiom "jerk (one's) chain" refers to deliberately provoking or teasing someone, usually with the intention of getting a reaction or causing annoyance. It involves intentionally manipulating or playing with someone's emotions or patience for one's own amusement or benefit.
  • jerk something out of someone or something The idiom "jerk something out of someone or something" means to forcefully extract or obtain something from someone or something, typically with a sudden and vigorous motion. It often implies that the action is done in a rough or abrupt manner, causing discomfort or surprise.
  • jerk away The idiom "jerk away" typically refers to a sudden and involuntary movement or reaction, often involving pulling something quickly. It can be used to describe a person or object that abruptly moves away from something or someone.
  • jerk sth out of sm or sth
  • put a jerk in it
  • jerk something off (of) someone or something
  • jerk someone over
  • circle-jerk A circle-jerk is a situation in which a group of people, typically like-minded individuals, engage in self-congratulatory or self-indulgent behavior, reinforcing each other's opinions or actions without any critical analysis or outside perspectives. It often involves mutual admiration and praise within a closed group, leading to a lack of diversity of thought or genuine discussion.

Similar spelling words for JERK

Plural form of JERK is JERKS

Conjugate verb Jerk

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have jerked
you would have jerked
he/she/it would have jerked
we would have jerked
they would have jerked
I would have jerk
you would have jerk
he/she/it would have jerk
we would have jerk
they would have jerk

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been jerking
you would have been jerking
he/she/it would have been jerking
we would have been jerking
they would have been jerking

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would jerk
you would jerk
he/she/it would jerk
we would jerk
they would jerk

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be jerking
you would be jerking
he/she/it would be jerking
we would be jerking
they would be jerking

FUTURE

I will jerk
you will jerk
he/she/it will jerk
we will jerk
they will jerk

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be jerking
you will be jerking
he/she/it will be jerking
we will be jerking
they will be jerking

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have jerked
you will have jerked
he/she/it will have jerked
we will have jerked
they will have jerked

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been jerking
you will have been jerking
he/she/it will have been jerking
we will have been jerking
they will have been jerking

IMPERATIVE

you jerk
we let´s jerk

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to jerk

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was jerking
you were jerking
he/she/it was jerking
we were jerking
they were jerking

PAST PARTICIPLE

jerked

PAST PERFECT

I had jerked
you had jerked
he/she/it had jerked
we had jerked
they had jerked

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been jerking
you had been jerking
he/she/it had been jerking
we had been jerking
they had been jerking

PRESENT

I jerk
you jerk
he/she/it jerks
we jerk
they jerk

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am jerking
you are jerking
he/she/it is jerking
we are jerking
they are jerking

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

jerking

PRESENT PERFECT

I have jerked
you have jerked
he/she/it has jerked
we have jerked
they have jerked

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been jerking
you have been jerking
he/she/it has been jerking
we have been jerking
they have been jerking

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it jerk

SIMPLE PAST

I jerked
you jerked
he/she/it jerked
we jerked
they jerked

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Correct spelling for jerk
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