How to pronounce jerkwater
Say it like JERK-waw-ter. Jerkwater has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JERK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce jerkwater. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- JERK
- waw
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Jerkwater pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- JERKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- wawKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of jerkwater
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: JUHK-waw-tuh.
What does jerkwater mean?
- A jerkwater town.
Where does jerkwater come from?
From jerk (“to move with a sudden movement”) + water.
Questions about saying jerkwater
How do you pronounce jerkwater?
Say JERK-waw-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈdʒɚkwɔtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈdʒəkwɔːtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in jerkwater?
Jerkwater has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JERK). Broken into parts: JERK · waw · ter.
Is jerkwater pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈdʒəkwɔːtə/ (JUHK-waw-tuh).