Jerkiest: meaning, definitions and examples

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jerkiest

 

[ ˈdʒɜrkiəst ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

movement quality

The term 'jerkiest' refers to something that is characterized by abrupt, erratic movements. It can describe how someone or something moves in a way that is not smooth or controlled, often giving an impression of clumsiness or unpredictability.

Synonyms

jumpy, spasmodic, unsteady

Examples of usage

  • The jerkiest movements were made by the untrained dancer.
  • His hand was the jerkiest of them all when he tried to catch the ball.
  • The ride was known for its jerkiest thrills.

Translations

Translations of the word "jerkiest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais irregular

🇮🇳 सबसे अजीब

🇩🇪 am unregelmäßigsten

🇮🇩 paling tidak teratur

🇺🇦 найбільш нерівний

🇵🇱 najbardziej nierówny

🇯🇵 最も不規則な

🇫🇷 le plus irrégulier

🇪🇸 el más irregular

🇹🇷 en düzensiz

🇰🇷 가장 불규칙한

🇸🇦 الأكثر عدم انتظام

🇨🇿 nejnepravidelnější

🇸🇰 najnepravidelnejší

🇨🇳 最不规则的

🇸🇮 najbolj neurejen

🇮🇸 óreglulegasta

🇰🇿 ең ретсіз

🇬🇪 ყველაზე არაწესიერი

🇦🇿 ən qeyri-sabit

🇲🇽 el más irregular

Etymology

The word 'jerky' originates from the mid-17th century from the Spanish word 'charqui,' meaning 'dried meat.' The term evolved to describe movements characterized by sudden starts and stops. 'Jerky' entered English in the 1850s to depict motion reminiscent of these irregularities. Over time, the form 'jerkiest' developed as a superlative, applying the quality of being erratic or uncoordinated. This evolution showcases how language can adapt terms from specific contexts (like food preservation) to broader physical descriptions, reflecting changes in usage as new meanings emerge based on social and cultural influences.