Jerk

Most Important Level 3

"to be a jerk" / "to act like a jerk"

Meaning: a person who is not nice, rude, and stupid

Similar Expressions
  • He is an idiot.
  • He is a bad guy.
  • He is an ass.
  • He is so rude.
When do we use it?

We usually use this slang word when we think a person is rude and terrible. This is a very negative expression that shows that we do not like a person.

It can only be used to describe people and it is usually used for men.

How do we use it?

We often use it after a "be verb".
  • He is a jerk.
  • Nick is a big jerk.
  • Stop being a jerk.
We can also use this slang word with the phrase "act like".
  • He is acting like a jerk today.
  • Don't act like a jerk.
Example English Conversations

A) My boss is a jerk. He yells at everyone and is always rude.
B) That's too bad. You should quit.
A) I don't know if another job would be better. My last boss was a jerk, too.

A) Ben is such a jerk.
B) What did he do?
A) He called me ugly.
B) Wow! What a jerk!

It is important that you know English expressions and idioms if you want to have fluent English conversations with native English speakers or other advanced English speakers. Do not try to learn many expressions and idioms at one time. Instead, study a few of these free English lessons each week and learn English expressions and words well. This will help your English vocabulary improve steadily, and you will start speaking English like a native speaker.