February 27, 2012 - Word of the Day: jerk

We use the word "jerk" as a noun when describing a person whose behavior is not polite. The person is rude. This is a popular word in the United States. It's usually used for men.

• Everyone got mad at Gerardo because he was being such a jerk towards the waitress.
• Some jerk threw all the trash that was in his car on the ground in the parking lot.
• The jerk driving behind me got too close with his car and hit my rear bumper when I suddenly stopped.
• Amanda always seems to go out with guys who are jerks. Why can't she find someone who's nice?
• What a jerk!
• He hates talking to his boss because his boss is a jerk.

You can also use "jerk" as a verb. In this case, it means a sudden motion:

• The car jerked forward when the driver put it into first gear.
• A little boy jerked something out of his sister's hands.
• Don't jerk your fishing pole too hard if you think a fish has taken your bait.

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