jerry-built
See also: jerrybuilt and jerry built
English
editEtymology
editUnknown; there are many theories.[1][2]
Adjective
edit- Built cheaply and shoddily.
- 1832, Liverpool Mercury, ‘…members of the Bluebell Club, the Jerry-Building society, &c…’ (via https://theprioryandthecastironshore.wordpress.com/2017/07/06/jerry-builder-origin-of-the-term/)
- 1859, August 6, Albany Fonblanque, Junr., Once a Week, article Sebastopol Villa:
- He had tried other building speculations, had run up other “jerry-built” houses, and had failed utterly, hopelessly.
- 1859, L. B. E, Cottoniron; a Poem[1], part 1, canto 3:
- Reigns supreme for jerry-built
Houses tricked out with gorgeous gilt,
Like cakes o' gingerbread, that crumble,
And in another century 'll tumble
Derived terms
editRelated terms
editTranslations
editbuilt cheaply
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