phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

The Phrase Finder
Phrases, Sayings and Idioms Home > Discussion Forum

- We are also on

A Phrase A Week - Facebook Group & Follow aphraseaweek on Twitter

Re: Jerry-built

Posted by Shane on April 07, 2005

In reply to a really old thread.

: : I read somewhere that the expression "jerry-built" referred to German (Jerry) products made shortly after WW1 when they were understandably poorly made. I wondered if anyone else had come across this explanation which is evidently incorrect as the expression is known to have been used since 1869 and seems to have other more convincing origins. Comments?
I had thought it was related to Gerrymandering dating back to the 1812 Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry who crafted political districts to his suiting. So that Gerrymandering was linked to Gerry Rigging. Meaning to rig something to your liking, thought not necessarily correctly, the way the Governor did.