construir de forma deficiente; construir com má qualidade
1. to build or construct something badly, cheaply, or with poor materials and workmanship
The contractor jerry-built the entire house using substandard materials and rushed construction.
O contratante construiu a casa inteira de forma deficiente, usando materiais de baixa qualidade e construção apressada.
2. to create something hastily without proper attention to quality or durability
They jerry-built the furniture so it fell apart within months.
Eles construíram o móvel de forma inadequada e ele desabou alguns meses depois.
The term 'jerry-build' originates from 19th century British English, possibly from the name 'Jerry' used pejoratively. It reflects cultural concerns about construction quality and poor workmanship. In Brazil, the equivalent concept is often expressed through 'gambiarra' (improvisation with inadequate materials), which is deeply embedded in Brazilian culture as both a criticism and sometimes a pragmatic approach. In American English, it remains a technical term used in construction and real estate contexts.
NYC Slang
throw together; bodge job; half-ass construction
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