# A definition please. **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [July 4, 2001, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-definition-please/71238 "2001-07-04T19:18:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![cheezit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c57346/32.png) [@cheezit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cheezit)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2001, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-definition-please/71238/1 "2001-07-04T19:18:53Z")
In reading a _very long post_ in another forum here on this message board, I asked this question, but the thread is so long that it probably won’t get answered. I need a definition to the following question. “Can **any** mod, admin, poster, or Ed Zotti himself, PLEASE define the word “jerk”, in a way that \*\* applies to every single person that has ANYTHING WHATSOEVER to do with this board,\*\* whether they are a poster, mod or admin?” Thankyou. ---
**Author:** ![Sultan\_Kinkari](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7bcc69/32.png) [@Sultan\_Kinkari](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sultan_Kinkari)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2001, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-definition-please/71238/2 "2001-07-04T19:27:06Z")
Main Entry: 1jerk Pronunciation: 'j&rk Function: noun Etymology: probably alteration of yerk Date: 1575 1 : a single quick motion of short duration 2 a : jolting, bouncing, or thrusting motions b : a tendency to produce spasmodic motions 3 a : an involuntary spasmodic muscular movement due to reflex action b plural : involuntary twitchings due to nervous excitement **4 : an annoyingly stupid or foolish person** 5 : the pushing of a weight from shoulder height to a position overhead in weight lifting Alright everyone, fess up. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2001, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-definition-please/71238/3 "2001-07-04T19:55:08Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by cheezit \* > \*\*In reading a _very long post_ in another forum here on this message board, I asked this question, but the thread is so long that it probably won’t get answered. I need a definition to the following question. > \*\* I answered it there. And crossposting isn’t nice. Fenris ---
**Author:** ![Esprix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprix/32/7899_2.png) [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2001, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-definition-please/71238/4 "2001-07-05T02:09:25Z")
Cross-posting makes the baby Jesus cry. Esprix ---
**Author:** ![cheezit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c57346/32.png) [@cheezit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cheezit)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2001, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-definition-please/71238/5 "2001-07-05T06:08:11Z")
Oh please forgive me for this unpardonable sin. Actually, this thread can be closed. I can see from the 2 or 3 answers in the pit that “don’t be a jerk” is a statement that **can not** be defined. It seems rather obvious that it depends on who you are. ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2001, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-definition-please/71238/6 "2001-07-05T11:48:59Z")
Think about it. Why would we want to define it too strictly? That’ll only lead to debates about the _definition_, and it will limit the power of the rule to boot. Many laws and regulations are deliberately vague so that the Evil Fascist Bastards that enforce them can apply them if and when they see fit. We’re no different. 🙂 At your request, I’ll close this thread.