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jerk off

B2 slang inseparable transitive/intransitive

A vulgar slang expression meaning to masturbate; also used as an insulting noun in related forms.

In plain English

touch yourself sexually

What does "jerk off" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B2 idiomatic slang

To masturbate.

"The comedy relied on a lot of crude jokes about teenage boys jerking off."

inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic slang

To waste time in a pointless, foolish, or self-indulgent way.

"They spent half the afternoon jerking off instead of rehearsing."

inseparable
Usage tip

Strongly vulgar. The related noun 'jerk-off' can insult someone as stupid or contemptible.

Words that pair with "jerk off"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

alone in private crude joke locker room talk

How to conjugate "jerk off"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
jerk off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
jerks off
he/she/it
Past simple
jerked off
yesterday
Past participle
jerked off
have + pp
-ing form
jerking off
continuous

Hear "jerk off" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "jerk off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "jerk off"

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Keep exploring

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