move jerkily
[/muːv ˈdʒɜːrkɪli/]
verb
mover-se aos solavancos
1. to move with sudden, abrupt, or spasmodic motions; to move in a series of quick, uneven movements
The old car moved jerkily down the street, its engine sputtering.
O carro velho movia-se aos solavancos pela rua, seu motor estalando.
2. to move with lack of smoothness or coordination
The puppet moved jerkily on its strings.
A marionete movia-se aos solavancos pelas cordas.
This expression is commonly used in Brazilian Portuguese to describe mechanical failures, puppet movements, or physically awkward motion. In American English, particularly NYC, the slang 'herky-jerky' is more frequently used in casual conversation. The phrase appears frequently in automotive contexts in both cultures.
NYC Slang
move all herky-jerky
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