Jerry-built refers to something built shoddily, flimsily, and cheaply.
A lot of people confuse jury-rigged and jerry-built. Although their etymologies are obscure and their meanings overlap, these are two distinct expressions.
A lot of people confuse jury-rigged and jerry-built. Although their etymologies are obscure and their meanings overlap, these are two distinct expressions.
by outofstepper October 24, 2012
1869, Eng. dialect jerry "bad, defective," a pejorative use of the male nickname Jerry (a popular form of Jeremy), or from naut. slang jury "temporary," which came to be used of all sorts of makeshift and inferior objects.
Note: "Jury Rigged" is a temporary solution done with materials at hand (and can be considered clever), while "Jerry Rigged" (or "Jerry Built") is a poorly made permanent construction, and has no positive connotations.
Note: "Jury Rigged" is a temporary solution done with materials at hand (and can be considered clever), while "Jerry Rigged" (or "Jerry Built") is a poorly made permanent construction, and has no positive connotations.
by Bob Bendesky December 27, 2006
by Mike Dallos November 24, 2004