A five gallon metal can (usually green) with three tubular handles on top and a metal screw on/off cap used by the military to hold gasoline, diesel fuel, etc.
A 20 liter (5.3 gallon), handled can meant for transporting gas and other liquids, formerly constructed of pressed steel.
Jerry cans were developed in Germany in the 1930s and were widely used by American troops in WWII. Troops would Jerry-rig up to five of these cans to their vehicles, enabling them to carry gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and/or water.
The term "Jerry" is a slang for the word "German".
History: A Jerry Can, is a metal container designed to transport 5.3 gallons of gasoline. These are commonly seen in military movies strapped to jeeps. The "Jerry Can Test" is actually a question: in a crisis situation would you rather have a certain person on your team or a Jerry Can of gasoline? If you would rather trade the person for a Jerry Can then they have failed the test.
I can't think of any reality TV stars that could pass the Jerry Can Test.
Mike Rowe and Chuck Norris ate the only people in Hollywood that could pass the Jerry Can test
Jerry Cantrell, guitarist for Alice In Chains.one of the most inovative guitarists of the 90's. This man is a guitar God. Some Brutal riffage has come from this man.