Meaning & Definition of word "Jerry"

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    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!