< th. This le.
1550s, “stroke of a whip,” from jerk (v.1). Sense of “sudden sharp pull or twist” first recorded 1570s. Meaning “involuntary spasmodic movement of limbs or features” first recorded 1805. As the name of a popular dance, it is attested from 1966. Sense in soda jerk attested from 1883, from the pulling motion required to work the taps.
as a method of preserving meat, 1707, American English, from American Spanish carquear, from charqui (see jerky). Related: Jerked.
v.
- To make spasmodic motions.
n.
- A sudden reflexive or spasmodic muscular movement.deep reflex
- jerks Involuntary convulsive twitching often resulting from excitement. Often used with the.