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English

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Jerrycan for petrol

Etymology

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From Jerry (a German) +‎ can, from its use by German troops in World War II.[1]

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈd͡ʒɛɹiˌkæn/, /ˈd͡ʒɛɹɪˌkæn/
  • Audio (Southern England):(file)

Noun

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jerrycan (plural jerrycans)

  1. A robust fuel container often made from pressed steel.
    • 1987, Michael Swanwick, Vacuum Flowers, New York: Arbor House, →ISBN, page 46:
      The police fell back, swatting and cursing. At the gateway, somebody grabbed a jerrycan of water from Jonamon's hut and flung its contents at the swarm.
    • 2022, Liam McIlvanney, The Heretic, page 259:
      Anyone with half a brain and a jerrycan of fertilizer's got an army.

Alternative forms

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Descendants

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Translations

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References

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  1. ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “jerry-can”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.

Further reading

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Dutch

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Etymology

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Borrowed from English jerrycan.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈʒɛriˌkɛn/
  • Audio:(file)
  • Hyphenation: jer‧ry‧can

Noun

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jerrycan m (plural jerrycans, diminutive jerrycannetje n)

  1. a jerrycan or similar container, used for fuel or other liquids (especially drinking water) and made of plastic or metal

Descendants

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