jerks

Noun

jerk (plural jerks)

1. A sudden, often uncontrolled movement, especially of the human body.
   • The black cloth bestrewn with white beads blew up from time to time, laying bare the coffin. The tired bearers walked more slowly, and it advanced with constant jerks, like a boat that pitches with every wave.1856, Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary, Part III Chapter X, translated by Eleanor Marx-Aveling

   Synonyms:

   jolt, lurch, shudder, shake, jump, working

2. A quick pull on something.
   • When I yell "OK," give the mooring line a good jerk!

   Synonyms:

   yank, tug

3. (US, derogatory, slang) A person with unlikable or obnoxious qualities and behavior, typically mean, immoral, self-centered, or disagreeable.
   • I finally fired him, because he was being a real jerk to his customers, even to some of the staff.

   Synonyms:

   asshole, arsehole

4. (US, derogatory, slang) A stupid person; an idiot or fool.

   Synonyms:

   alcatote, asshat, arsehole, asshole, bayard, berk, birdbrain, blither, bobchin, bonehead

5. A lift in which the weight is taken with a quick motion from shoulder height to a position above the head with arms fully extended and held there for a brief time.
6. (slang) Masturbation.

See all 20 meanings of jerk