jerry-build
C2Informal, somewhat dated.
Definition
Meaning
To build something quickly and cheaply, using low-quality materials and poor workmanship.
To create or produce anything in a hasty, careless, and inferior way.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies deliberate corner-cutting and a result that is unsafe, unstable, or destined to fail.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in British English and is more common there. In American English, 'slap together' or 'jury-rig' are more frequent, though 'jerry-build' is understood.
Connotations
Highly negative, suggesting dishonesty and danger. The related adjective 'jerry-built' is more common than the verb.
Frequency
Rare as a verb; the participial adjective 'jerry-built' is the standard form.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + OBJECT (They jerry-built the houses.)BE + jerry-built + ADVERBIAL (The estate was jerry-built.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “jerry-built”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used critically in property development or construction contexts to describe substandard work.
Academic
Rare; may appear in historical or sociological texts discussing urban planning or housing crises.
Everyday
Used to complain about shoddy workmanship on a home repair or new building.
Technical
Not a technical construction term; used pejoratively.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The developers tried to jerry-build dozens of flats before the new regulations came into force.
- They'll just jerry-build it if we don't hire a proper surveyor.
American English
- The contractor was accused of jerry-building the entire housing complex.
- It's better to wait and do it right than to jerry-build a solution now.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb. 'Jerry-built' is used adjectivally.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb. 'Jerry-built' is used adjectivally.
adjective
British English
- The whole estate is just jerry-built nonsense that won't last a decade.
- We moved out of that jerry-built nightmare after the first winter.
American English
- The city condemned the jerry-built additions to the old warehouse.
- I'm not buying a jerry-built cabin; I want something solid.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The garden shed was jerry-built and fell down in the storm.
- Many of the post-war houses were jerry-built and have since required extensive repairs.
- You can't jerry-build a professional website and expect clients to trust you.
- The scandal revealed how the company had jerry-built infrastructure across the region, putting thousands at risk.
- His argument was jerry-built on a foundation of assumptions rather than solid evidence.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'JERRY' as a careless builder who RUSHES (sounds like 'builds') jobs, leaving them RICKETY.
Conceptual Metaphor
BUILDING IS CREATING A LASTING STRUCTURE; jerry-building is creating a fragile, temporary facade.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with the name 'Jerry'. It is not related to 'to build' in a positive sense. The closest Russian concept is "строить кое-как" or "халтурить".
Common Mistakes
- Using 'jerry-build' as a noun (e.g., 'a jerry-build'). The correct noun form is 'jerry-building'.
- Confusing with 'jury-rig', which is a temporary fix, not necessarily poor quality.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST definition of 'jerry-build'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Etymology is uncertain but likely originates from 19th-century British slang 'jerry' meaning 'inferior' or 'bad'. It is not related to the name Jerry.
The adjective 'jerry-built' is more common than the verb 'jerry-build'. Both are somewhat dated but still understood, especially in British English.
'Jerry-build' implies permanent construction done poorly with low-quality materials. 'Jury-rig' implies a temporary, clever repair or makeshift solution, not necessarily of poor quality.
Yes, it can describe any plan, system, or argument that is poorly conceived and unstable (e.g., 'a jerry-built peace treaty').
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