How Do You Spell JACK KNIFE?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈak nˈa͡ɪf] (IPA)

The word "jack knife" is spelled with a "k" instead of a "c" due to its origins in the French word "couteau," which means knife. In English, "couteau" was pronounced with a hard "k" sound, and over time, the spelling was Anglicized to "knife." As for "jack," it likely came from the phrase "to jib a sail," which means to change direction suddenly, like a foldable pocket knife. In IPA phonetic transcription, "jack knife" is pronounced /dʒæk naɪf/.

JACK KNIFE Meaning and Definition

1. The term "jack knife" has multiple definitions depending on the context in which it is used. In the context of a folding knife, a jack knife refers to a pocket knife that has one or more folding blades that open and close into the handle. It is known for its distinctive blade shape, characterized by a sharp point and a concave curve on the spine of the blade, resembling the shape of a jack knife. This type of knife is commonly used for various purposes, including cutting ropes, whittling, and general outdoor activities.

   In the context of driving, a jack knife refers to a dangerous situation where a vehicle (usually a large truck or trailer) skids or swerves out of control, causing the trailer or cab to swing around and face in the opposite direction with the vehicle forming a V shape. This term is derived from the similarity of the truck's positioning to the folding action of a jack knife, where the two parts fold together. Jack knifing often occurs when the wheels of the vehicle lose traction, causing the rear of the truck to swing uncontrollably. This can be a result of excessive braking, sudden steering maneuvers, or poor road conditions. Jack knifing poses serious risks to both the driver and other road users, often resulting in accidents and traffic congestion.

Common Misspellings for JACK KNIFE

• hack knife
• nack knife
• mack knife
• kack knife
• iack knife
• uack knife
• jzck knife
• jsck knife
• jwck knife
• jqck knife
• jaxk knife
• javk knife
• jafk knife
• jadk knife
• jacj knife
• jacm knife
• jacl knife
• jaco knife
• jaci knife
• jack jnife

Etymology of JACK KNIFE

The word jackknife has an interesting etymology. It originated from the use of a knife called a jack knife or pocket knife with a folding blade, which resembled the shape of a small jack fish with its sharp dorsal fins. The term jack knife was first documented in English in the early 17th century, derived from the Middle English word jakenyfe, which combined jack (meaning a small object) and knife. Over time, the term expanded in usage to refer to various folding knives, and eventually, it also came to describe a specific diving or gymnastic maneuver in which the body briefly resembles the shape of a folding knife, hence the term jackknife dive or jackknife position.

Similar spelling words for JACK KNIFE

• jackknife,
• jackknives.

Plural form of JACK KNIFE is JACK KNIVES