jerk-off

[ jurk-awf, -of ]
/ ˈdʒɜrkˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

noun Slang: Vulgar.

a stupid, bumbling, foolish, or lazy person; jerk.
an act of masturbating.

Origin of jerk-off

First recorded in 1965–70; noun use of verb phrase jerk off

Definition for jerk off (2 of 2)

Origin of jerk

1
1540–50; 1935–40 for def 4; perhaps dialectal variant of yerk to draw stitches tight (shoemaker's term), thus making the shoe ready to wear, Old English gearcian to prepare, make ready

OTHER WORDS FROM jerk

jerk·er, noun jerk·ing·ly, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for jerk off (1 of 3)

jerk off

US jack off


verb

(adverb often reflexive) slang (of a male) to masturbate

usage for jerk off

This word was formerly considered to be taboo, and it was labelled as such in previous editions of Collins English Dictionary . However, it has now become acceptable in speech, although some older or more conservative people may object to its use

British Dictionary definitions for jerk off (2 of 3)

jerk 1
/ (dʒɜːk) /

verb

noun

Derived forms of jerk

jerker, noun jerking, adjective, noun

Word Origin for jerk

C16: probably variant of yerk to pull stitches tight in making a shoe; compare Old English gearcian to make ready

British Dictionary definitions for jerk off (3 of 3)

jerk 2
/ (dʒɜːk) /

verb (tr)

to preserve (venison, beef, etc) by cutting into thin strips and curing by drying in the sun

noun

Also called: jerky jerked meat, esp beef

Word Origin for jerk

C18: back formation from jerky, from charqui

Medical definitions for jerk off

jerk
[ jûrk ]

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.

Idioms and Phrases with jerk off

jerk off

Also, jack off. Masturbate, as in His roommate was always jerking off. [Vulgar slang; first half of 1900s]