Something improperly fixed, often mechanical or electronic. It is a derogatory term derived from "jerry-rigged" which came into use from the confusion of "jury-rigged," a nautical term for a makeshift replacement of rig that has been damaged or lost overboard, and "Gerry-built," which referred to the low quality of German manufactures in the latter part of the 19th century. Also known euphemistically as "Afro-Engineering" or "Colored Engineering"
by weapnsdealer January 12, 2007