# jerk

/ˈdʒɝk/ (US) · /dʒˈɜːk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jerk
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. rude person

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal · American English

a person who is mean, selfish, or treats others badly.

For teachers: a derogatory term for an obnoxious, contemptible, or socially inept person. Informal in register.

- I can't believe he didn't apologize; he's such a jerk.
- The manager was a complete jerk to the staff, constantly belittling their efforts in front of clients.

### 2. sudden movement

noun · CEFR B2

a quick, sharp pull or a sudden movement of the body.

For teachers: a sudden, abrupt pull or twist; also refers to an involuntary muscular contraction.

- The car started with a sudden jerk, making everyone lean forward.
- A sudden jerk of the fishing line indicated that something substantial had finally taken the bait.

### 3. Jamaican cooking

noun · CEFR B2

a spicy style of Jamaican cooking, often used for chicken or pork.

For teachers: a style of Jamaican cooking in which meat is dry-rubbed or wet-marinated with a hot spice mixture called Jamaican jerk spice. Uncountable in this sense.

- We ordered the jerk chicken with a side of rice and peas.
- The authentic aroma of pimento wood and jerk seasoning filled the air as the street vendors prepared the evening meal.

### 4. physics

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

how quickly the acceleration of an object changes.

For teachers: the rate of change of acceleration with respect to time; the third derivative of position.

- Engineers try to minimize jerk to make the elevator ride feel smooth.
- In high-speed rail design, limiting the jerk is essential for passenger comfort during transitions between different grades of acceleration.

### 5. to move suddenly

verb · CEFR B2

to move or pull something with a quick, sharp motion.

For teachers: to move with a sudden, sharp motion; can be used transitively with an object or intransitively.

- He jerked the door open and ran outside into the rain.
- The horse jerked its head away when the stranger tried to stroke its nose.

### 6. to preserve meat

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to cut meat into long strips and dry it to keep it for a long time.

For teachers: to prepare meat by cutting it into strips and drying it in the sun or over a fire.

- The hunters would jerk the venison to ensure they had food for the winter.
- Historically, sailors would jerk beef to provide a stable source of protein during long transoceanic voyages.

## Examples

- Don't be such a jerk to your sister.
- He felt like a jerk after realizing he had forgotten his best friend's birthday for the third year in a row.
- The protagonist is portrayed as a lovable jerk whose abrasive exterior eventually softens as he learns the value of genuine human connection.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.