1 C1
A rare nonstandard combination used only occasionally in descriptive language, not as an established phrasal verb.
"Writers would normally say 'jerk up' rather than 'jerky up.'"
jerky up
C1
A nonstandard or highly unusual expression with no established common meaning.
In plain English
not a normal common phrasal verb
What does "jerky up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move upward in a jerky way.
Actually means
not a normal common phrasal verb
Usage tip
This is not a recognized mainstream phrasal verb in standard English.
How to conjugate "jerky up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
jerky up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
jerkies up
he/she/it
Past simple
jerkied up
yesterday
Past participle
jerkied up
have + pp
-ing form
jerkying up
continuous
Hear "jerky up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "jerky up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.