The correct spelling of the phrase "jerry build" is often mistaken, with many people writing it as "jury-rigged." In fact, the word "jerry" is derived from the French word "gérier," meaning to handle clumsily or to make something in a makeshift manner. The word "build" is simply the regular verb form. The IPA phonetic transcription for "jerry build" is /ˈdʒɛrɪ bɪld/, with the stress on the first syllable. So the next time you see someone use the incorrect spelling "jury-rigged," you can confidently correct them with the proper spelling of "jerry build."
Jerry build is an idiomatic verb that refers to the act of constructing something in a haphazard, shoddy, or makeshift manner, often using substandard materials or without adhering to proper construction techniques. The term originated in the early 20th century and has its roots in British army slang, where "jerry" was used as a derogatory term for a German.
The adjective "jerry" was later adopted to describe something that is of poor quality or lacking in durability, and therefore vulnerable to breaking or collapsing. In the context of construction, "jerry build" conveys the idea of building something hastily or carelessly, without taking the necessary precautions to ensure its longevity or safety.
When something is jerry built, it may appear functional or aesthetically pleasing on the surface, but its underlying structure is weak and prone to failure. This term is commonly used to criticize or highlight flaws in construction projects, particularly those completed without proper planning, expertise, or attention to detail.
The implication of jerry building is that corners have been cut and the final result is a shoddy, unreliable product. Examples of jerry built structures could include quickly assembled temporary housing, makeshift structures, or poorly constructed buildings that lack solidity and are at risk of collapsing. Jerry building is generally seen as a negative practice, as it prioritizes expediency and cost-cutting over quality and safety.
The term "jerry-built" originated in the early 19th century in England. Its exact etymology is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated as a derogatory term for buildings constructed of cheap and substandard materials.
One theory suggests that it is derived from the slang word "jerry" used in the 19th century to describe something counterfeit or of poor quality. The exact origin of this slang word is unclear, but it is thought to have derived from the name "Jeremiah", which was commonly associated with a simple-minded person. This association with simplicity or incompetence might have then been extended to describe poorly constructed buildings.
Another theory suggests that "jerry-built" came from the German word "gering" or "geringen", which means small or inferior.