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The forgotten meaning of "jerk"

languagehat.com

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Re: The forgotten meaning of "jerk"

#6

I don't know why, but I went into this thinking it was going to be about soda jerks.

Had to go to the comments in the linked post to find the reference to the soda jerk. And "jerking" was apparently pulling on the (seltzer) tap.

I suppose if "soda jerk" was thought to be a menial job (reminded of one of the threads in the film, "The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946)) ... then the original meaning of "jerk" as a loser might have come from that.

Re: The forgotten meaning of "jerk"

#10

I prefer the term "douchebag" for its inclusivity. People of all ages know you're calling the person an asshole. I've also noticed Mormons are less offended by "douchebag" than "asshole".

Too bad it's misogynistic. I'm not sure you already knew that. If I were rude enough to call you a name, I wonder what term I could use that would work either way!
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