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Subject: Jerrys?
jstude@mediaone.net    2/12/2002 7:16:29 AM
Am curious about the origin of the term Jerrys for German soldiers which started in WW1. I've done a bit of research and come up with nothing other than "no real reason", although my best guess is it's just a play on the "Ger" in Germany.
 
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RPL    RE:Jerrys?   2/12/2002 8:05:44 AM
The German helmets reminded the English of a chamber pot, or "jeroboam." Jerry was the derivative term for a chamber pot.
 
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jstude@mediaone.net    RE:Jerrys?   2/12/2002 8:10:30 AM
Interesting. According to dictionary.com, a "jeroboam" is a bottle of wine. jer·o·bo·am Pronunciation Key (jr-bm) n. A wine bottle holding 4/5 of a gallon (3.03 liters). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [After Jeroboam I (died c. 901 B.C.), king of northern Israel.] Another word that's evolved with the times? :)
 
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RPL    RE:Jerrys?   2/12/2002 8:51:53 AM
I got the definition from the History Channel's presentation of "Arms & Armor," which traced the lineage of weaponry and armor over time. I wasn't aware of the connection to wine. Thanks for the info.
 
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jlb    RE:Jerrys?   12/16/2002 5:48:32 AM
Actually a Jeroboam is exactly 3 liters. It holds the equivalent of 4 standard wine bottles.
 
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