Skip to main content

Jerry-rig

To attach, whether by tying down or other means, one object to another in order to increase the object's function and/or mobility.

This term's origins can be traced back to World War II and the use of Jerry cans by American troops.

Jerry cans were attached to GI "jeeps" using straps, tie downs and/or other improvised means; hence the term "Jerry-rig(ged)".
"Use the bungee cord to Jerry-rig this thing to that other thing and let's get out of here!"
by languagequeer October 2, 2018
mugGet the Jerry-rig mug.

jerry-rig - it's not accurate The actual term is jury-rig

Jury rigging refers to makeshift repairs or temporary contrivances, made with only the tools and materials that happen to be on hand. Originally a nautical term, on sailing ships a jury rig is a replacement mast and yards improvised in case of damage or loss of the original mast. Jury-rig has been in use since 1788 but the adjectival use of "jury" in the sense of makeshift or temporary dates from at least 1616, when it appeared in John Smith's A Description of New England.

A false etymology is that "Jerry-rigged" was employed by World War II British troops to refer to the German use of scavenged parts to keep vehicles and weapons functional, from the use of "Jerry" as a pejorative term for German soldiers.
The jury-rigged (not jerry-rigged) contraption made do for now. (jerry-rig - it's not accurate The actual term is jury-rig)
by jahli October 17, 2011
mugGet the jerry-rig - it's not accurate The actual term is jury-rig mug.

Jerry rigging

This term describes how someone improperly completes a job without any quality or INTEGRITY. Causing more problems later and having to re-do the job the correct way.
Don't worry sir, I will do it right the first time. You don't have to worry about me Jerry rigging the electrical wiring. I am a professional with INTEGRITY.
by Kindguyryan January 30, 2015
mugGet the Jerry rigging mug.

jerry-rigability

The ability or potential ability of something to be jerry-rigged; the extent to which something can be jerry-rigged, MacGyvered, yankee-doodled, wham-boozled, hanky-pankied, sauteed or flambe'd.
Jerry: Hey MacGyver, what do you reckon the jerry-rigability is of this here tore up half-a-motorcycle?

MacGyver: Hard to say Jerry... but give me your belt, a tennis racket, those shoes, a watermelon and that child's balloon animal over there and we'll find out!
by HARRYKAHKENBOLZ June 18, 2009
mugGet the jerry-rigability mug.

jerry-rigged

patched or cobbled together (a blend of jerry-built, meaning carelessly or awkwardly built and jury-rigged)
The jerry-rigged monitor only lasted three days before it stopped functioning permanantly.
by The Return of Light Joker April 10, 2009
mugGet the jerry-rigged mug.

Jerry Rigged

The actual term is Jury Rigged, but as always we just started changing it when no one knew that. It means fixing something with whatever is on hand.
I jerry rigged my door handle to stay on with duct tape and cardboard.
by The great ruiner July 2, 2018
mugGet the Jerry Rigged mug.

Jery Rig

An old Navy term used to describe a half ass attempt at repairing something. Also a makeshift way that may work short term, that a qualified technician with the proper tools would never concider. Also the way an idiot would fix something.
I used wire crimps, and snakeskin as a Jery Rig to make the extinsion cord longer.

I put bubble gum on that leak on the water cooler, some Jery Rig huh?

I had the runs so I Jery Rigged it by shoveing my head up my butt.
by Toka Jay May 8, 2008
mugGet the Jery Rig mug.

Share this definition

Sign in to vote

We'll email you a link to sign in instantly.

Or

Check your email

We sent a link to

Open your email