He is a jerk

[Winwin2011]

Jerk means 'a stupid person or a person who is not well-liked or who treats other people badly' .

I heard a native speaker said 'He's a jerk'. Do native speakers normally mean 'a person who treats other people badly '?

Thanks.

 

[Chicken Sandwich]

Do native speakers normally mean 'a person who treats other people badly '?

Thanks.

NOT A TEACHER

It can also mean an "idiot" according according to Longman.

jerk 2 noun [ countable ]

1 a sudden quick movement : He gave a sudden jerk of his head .
with a jerk She started the car with a jerk and hit the bumper of the car in front.


2 informal someone, especially a man, who is stupid or who does things that annoy or hurt other people SYN idiot : I swore at him for being such a jerk.

 

[Winwin2011]

NOT A TEACHER

It can also mean an "idiot" according according to Longman.

Jerk has three meaning. If I were called 'a jerk', I couldn't guess what kind of person I am.

 

[Chicken Sandwich]

Jerk has three meaning. If I were called 'a jerk', I couldn't guess what kind of person I am.

In that case you'd have to rely on the context/situation.

 

[5jj]

If I were called 'a jerk', I couldn't guess what kind of person I am.

If you are called a jerk, it's not intended as a compliment,

 

[birdeen's call]

I don't think I've ever heard anyone use the word "jerk" when they meant simply idiot. There's always been some moral judgement in it. I usually hear this word used by Americans.

 

[SlickVic9000]

(Not a Teacher)

A jerk is a mean-spirited, self-centered person. He's the type of guy who cuts you off in traffic or openly insults someone during a meeting or a party. Basically, a jerk is someone who seemingly lives to ruin other people's day.