The spelling of the phrase "by jerks" can be confusing as it contains a silent letter. The word "by" is pronounced with the sound /baɪ/ which is made up of the phonemes /b/ and /aɪ/. The word "jerks" is pronounced with the sound /dʒɜːks/ which is made up of the phonemes /dʒ/, /ɜː/ and /ks/. The silent letter 'r' in "jerks" is a tricky element in the spelling which means it's important to pay close attention to the pronunciation when writing it down.
"By jerks" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe a motion or action that occurs in an irregular, abrupt, or sudden manner. The term "jerks" refers to quick, unsmooth movements characterized by sudden starts and stops. This phrase is often used metaphorically to depict actions or processes that lack continuity, fluidity, or consistency.
The phrase "by jerks" can also describe a person's behavior or communication style, suggesting that their actions or words are erratic, sporadic, or unpredictable. It implies a disjointed or uneven quality in their conduct, where they may exhibit sudden bursts of energy or enthusiasm followed by periods of inactivity or indifference.
Furthermore, "by jerks" can indicate an irregular pace or progress in the accomplishment of a task or goal. It portrays a sporadic or uneven advancement, as if someone is moving forward intermittently, rather than on a steady and consistent path.
In essence, the phrase "by jerks" conveys a sense of abruptness, irregularity, or inconsistency. It is often used when describing movements, actions, behaviors, or progress that lack smoothness, continuity, or a regular pattern.
The phrase "by jerks" does not have a specific etymology in the context of a complete phrase. However, the word "jerk" itself has several possible origins.
1. Derived from Old French: The word "jerk" is believed to have originated from the Old French verb "jarker", meaning "to shake" or "to jolt". This original meaning of sudden movements is still reflected in the term "jerk" as it pertains to sudden motions or abrupt actions.
2. West African influence: Another theory suggests that "jerk" may have West African roots, specifically from the Wolof language. In Wolof, the term "yerker" means "to poke" or "to pick up quickly", which aligns with the jerk's quick and sudden nature.