'jerk' originates from the Latin word 'circumjacere,' where 'circum-' meant 'around' and 'jacere' meant 'to throw.'

'circumjacere' transformed into the Old French word 'jerker,' and eventually became the modern English word 'jerk.'

Initially, it meant 'to throw around,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'sudden movement' and 'obnoxious person.'