'jerk' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'jerken', where the root was imitative and suggested a sudden or sharp movement.

'jerk' changed from Middle English 'jerken' and eventually became the modern English word 'jerk' with senses of both a sudden movement and a disagreeable person.

Initially, it meant 'to give a sudden pull or to move with a sudden motion,' and over time it also gained the sense of 'an abrupt or unpleasant person.'