jerk

Jerk is a term with several distinct meanings in English. As a noun, it refers to a person who behaves in a rude, inconsiderate, or abrasive way. As a verb, it can mean to move or cause to move with a quick, sharp, sudden motion, or to pull something abruptly.

In culinary contexts, jerk denotes a style of seasoning and cooking associated with Jamaican cuisine. Jerk seasoning typically combines allspice (pimento), Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, thyme, garlic, onion, and other spices. The meat—often chicken or pork—is dry-rubbed or marinated and then cooked over an open flame or on a grill, sometimes with pimento wood for smoky flavor. Variations exist by region and cook, but the hallmark is a hot, aromatic, and slightly sweet-spicy profile.

In physics, jerk is the third derivative of position with respect to time—the rate at which acceleration changes. Jerk has units of meters per second cubed in SI. It is used in engineering and motion planning to model and minimize sudden changes in acceleration for smoother motion and improved ride quality.

Other uses include idiomatic expressions and representations in popular culture; the word may appear in various media and titles. The term’s meanings are usually clear from context.