Meaning & Definition of word "Jerry"
to
Jerry
/ˈdʒɛri/
noun:
- 1. An informal term referring to a German person, often used pejoratively.
- Example: During World War I, soldiers sometimes referred to their German opponents as 'Jerries'.
- 2. A slang term for a makeshift or improvised solution.
- Example: They used a jerry rig to fix the broken engine in no time.
- 3. A term for a jerrycan, which is a container used to store liquids, especially fuel.
- Example: He filled the jerry with gasoline before heading out for the camping trip.
verb:
- 1. To improvise or make do in a makeshift manner.
- Example: We had to jerry together a plan when the original one fell through.
Etymology
Possibly from 'Jerry' as a vernacular contraction of 'German'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
jerry can:
A container for transporting fuel or liquids, typically used by the military.
jerry-built:
Poorly constructed or made.
Related Words
German:
A person from Germany.
Kraut:
A slang term for a German person, often used disparagingly.
Slang Meanings of jerry
Meaning: A term for a person deemed foolish or inept.
Example Sentence: Don't be a jerry, think before you act!