Jun 24, 2025 · The origin of this word is unknown, though there is plenty of speculation that it's from some poor slob named Jerry, which is a nickname for Jeremy or Jeremiah.

In maritime transport and sailing, jury rigging or jury-rigging[1] is making temporary makeshift running repairs with only the tools and materials on board. It originates from sail -powered …

Dec 13, 2019 · We’ve found uses of “jerry-rigged” dating from the 1890s, when the “jerry” part simply meant badly made. As we wrote in a 2008 post, standard dictionaries now accept “jerry …

Think of jury as in jury-rigged as a nautical term, because it originated from how sailors would make temporary repairs at sea. Jerry rigged is a blend of jury rigged and jerry-built, with jerry …

Jun 7, 2024 · It isn't well understood how the term "jerry-rigged" originated, but it is believed to be a variation of "jury-rigged" that refers to something that is "jerry-built" or " cheaply or poorly …

Jerry-built first shows up in 1869 in a glossary from the Lonsdale region of Lancashire, England, and the expression is said to have originated in nearby Liverpool.

Mar 13, 2020 · It’s sometimes thought that the jerry in jerry-built or jerry-rigged comes from Jerry as used as British slur against Germans during Word War I and II. This disparaging term is …

Dec 11, 2025 · Origin: The exact origin of 'Jerry-built' is unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in the 19th century in British English, referring to hastily constructed houses by …

Jerry-Rigged (adjective): Constructed or repaired in a makeshift or temporary manner using materials at hand and improvisation rather than detailed planning or proper tools. The origins …

Jul 22, 2012 · The alternative term “jerry rigged” found its footing in World War II. To keep equipment functional toward the end of the war, the axis would oftentimes resort to scavenging …