Meaning of "jerk" in English

The word "jerk" in English has several meanings. It can refer to a sudden, sharp movement or pull, often abrupt or unexpected. In a social context, it can describe someone who is unpleasant, rude, or behaves in an inconsiderate manner. Additionally, "jerk" can refer to a type of cooking style, particularly in Jamaican cuisine, where meat is seasoned with a spicy mixture before being grilled or smoked. The versatility of the word makes it widely used in various contexts, ranging from physical actions to describing character traits.

Meaning of "jerk" in French

In French, "jerk" primarily refers to a dance style popular in the 1960s, characterized by quick, jolting movements. The term doesn't typically carry the same connotations related to personal behavior as it does in English. However, in certain contexts, it can also be used informally to describe a sudden movement. It's important to note that cultural nuances mean that direct translations don't always capture the same breadth of meaning, and "jerk" as a character descriptor may not be universally understood in French.

Pronunciation of "jerk" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /dʒɜːrk/

Pronunciation Variations: In American English, "jerk" is pronounced with a noticeable "r" sound, while in British English, the "r" might be softer. Regional accents may also influence vowel sounds, but overall, the pronunciation remains quite consistent across English-speaking regions.

Pronunciation of "jerk" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /ʒɛʁk/

Pronunciation Variations: Pronunciation in French remains fairly consistent due to the language's standardized pronunciation rules. Regional accents might slightly alter the nasal quality of the vowel sound, but it generally does not have significant variation.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. He gave the rope a quick jerk. (Il a donné un coup sec à la corde.)
  2. She broke up with him because he was acting like a jerk. (Elle a rompu avec lui parce qu'il se comportait comme un imbécile.)
  3. The sudden jerk of the car startled her. (Le soubresaut soudain de la voiture l'a surprise.)
  4. Stop being a jerk and apologize! (Arrête d'être un crétin et excuse-toi !)
  5. He cooked the chicken using a traditional jerk seasoning. (Il a cuisiné le poulet avec un assaisonnement jerk traditionnel.)
  6. The dancer performed each jerk of the movement perfectly. (La danseuse a exécuté chaque mouvement de jerk parfaitement.)
  7. He felt a jerk on his line and knew he had caught a fish. (Il a senti un coup sur sa ligne et a su qu'il avait attrapé un poisson.)
  8. Her brother can be such a jerk sometimes. (Son frère peut parfois être vraiment odieux.)
  9. The abrupt jerk pulled his arm. (Le tir brusque a tiré sur son bras.)
  10. They enjoyed the spicy jerk chicken at the festival. (Ils ont apprécié le poulet jerk épicé au festival.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "jerk" in English

Synonyms: lurch, jolt, tug, pull, yank, push, fool, idiot, dolt, buffoon

Antonyms: soothe, calm, please, delight, appease

Similar Words: shove, bump, startle, twit, clown

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "jerk" in French

Synonyms: secousse, sursaut, imbécile, crétin, sot

Antonyms: -

Similar Words: heurt, choc, sot, balourd

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