Jerry (film)
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



  1. A nickname for Jeremy, Jerrold, Gerald, Gerard, and similar names; also used as a formal male given name.
  2. 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.
 
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