jerry can
B1Informal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A robust, flat-sided, rectangular metal or plastic container, typically with a handle, used for transporting and storing liquids, especially fuel.
Any similarly shaped, portable container for liquids, often associated with military, industrial, or emergency use. Can also refer to the specific standardised 20-litre fuel container design.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes a specific, utilitarian object. Connotes practicality, ruggedness, and often outdoor, military, or survival contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties. It is strongly associated with World War II and military/industrial contexts in both cultures.
Connotations
In both varieties, it evokes images of fuel, camping, military logistics, and preparedness. In the UK, it may have a slightly stronger historical/military association.
Frequency
Slightly more common in the UK, but widely understood and used in the US, especially in contexts involving outdoor activities, motorsports, or emergency supplies.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + jerry can (carry, fill, lift, pour from, store in)jerry can + OF + NOUN (a jerry can of petrol/water)ADJECTIVE + jerry can (full/empty/metal/plastic jerry can)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms, but appears in descriptive phrases like 'jerry-rigged' which is etymologically distinct.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like logistics, shipping, or equipment rental.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical or engineering texts about WWII logistics.
Everyday
Common in contexts of camping, car maintenance, gardening (for petrol for lawnmowers), and emergency preparedness.
Technical
Used in military, automotive, outdoor equipment, and industrial supply contexts to denote a specific type of robust container.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- We need to fill the jerry can with petrol before the rally.
- The old army surplus jerry can was still perfectly serviceable.
- He strapped two jerry cans of water to the roof rack.
American English
- Make sure the gas can—the jerry can—is secured in the back of the truck.
- They issued us each a jerry can for emergency fuel storage.
- We bought a new plastic jerry can for the camping trip.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This jerry can is for water.
- The jerry can is heavy.
- We took a jerry can of fuel on our camping trip.
- Can you help me carry this full jerry can?
- The expedition's success relied on a chain of well-placed jerry cans across the desert.
- Modern plastic jerry cans are lighter but less durable than the original steel ones.
- Critics argue that the proliferation of jerry cans in the region has facilitated the illicit transport of subsidised fuel.
- The design of the jerry can, with its three handles and recessed top, is a classic example of wartime functional innovation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Jerry' as a slang term for a German soldier in WWII (from 'Jerry'/'Gerry' for German). The 'jerry can' was the robust German design copied by the Allies.
Conceptual Metaphor
PORTABLE STRENGTH / EMERGENCY RESERVE (e.g., 'He's the jerry can of the team, always having extra energy when we're running on empty.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'jar' or 'tin can'. The closest equivalent is 'канистра' (kanistra), but 'jerry can' specifically implies the rectangular, handle-topped military-style canister. 'Бидон' (bidon) is usually a milk churn or a smaller, rounder can.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: 'jerrycan' (one word) is an accepted variant, but 'jerry can' (two words) is more common. Using 'jerrican'. Incorrectly using it for any generic plastic container.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most defining characteristic of a traditional jerry can?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It comes from WWII Allied slang for Germans ('Jerries'), as the design was copied from robust German fuel containers.
Yes, but it's crucial to use one that has never contained fuel, or to use one specifically designed and marked for water, to avoid contamination.
A 'jerry can' typically refers to the specific rectangular, military-style design with a central handle and often a spout. A 'gas can' is a more general term for any container meant for fuel.
Laws vary by country and region. They are generally legal but must often be an approved type (e.g., UN/DOT certified, with specific colour coding - red for petrol/gasoline) and used within transport regulations for hazardous materials.