Jerry
WordNet
noun
(1) Offensive terms for a person of German descent
WiktionaryText
Etymology 1
Diminutive of Jeremy, Jerome, Gerald, Jerrold, Gerard, and related names.
Proper noun
- A nickname for Jeremy, Jerrold, Gerald, Gerard, and similar names; also used as a formal male given name.
- A diminutive of the female given name Geraldine or Jerilyn.
Quotations
- 1970 Santha Rama Rau: The Adventuress. Harper&Row. page 157:
- - - - I, incidentally, am Jeremy Wilson, and anyone who abbreviates that to 'Jerry' does so at unspeakable peril."
- "Oh really?" Kay asked. "Why?"
- "Well, just a wartime hangover. We used to call the Germans 'Jerries'."
- "I don't know much about the German war."
Usage notes
- Used during World War II. Usage after World War II served as a reminder that the UK and German had been enemies.