Definitions of jerry-builder. someone who builds cheap buildings out of poor materials on speculation for a quick profit. type of: builder, constructor. someone who contracts for and supervises construction (as of a building)

What does Jerry-built mean?

1 : built cheaply and unsubstantially. 2 : carelessly or hastily put together.

Where did the expression Jerry-built come from?

But in the mid-19th century another word came along: jerry-built means "built cheaply and unsubstantially" as well as "carelessly or hastily put together." The origin of this word is unknown, though there is plenty of speculation that it's from some poor slob named Jerry, which is a nickname for Jeremy or Jeremiah.