User:KDS4444/Jerry-built

The expression jerry-built describes workmanship of a low quality and with inferior materials, particularly with regard to housing. The London Builder's Journal is recorded as having a song using the term, first published in 1885, which goes in part as follows:

This is the man for whom it was planned

And this is the scamp who put it in hand

And filled in the footings with stones and stand

With no cement, and said, "It's grand!"

When building the house that Jerry built.

These are the bricks, as soft as cheese

That broke in two if you chanced to sneeze;

Said Jerry, "The man what don't like these,

Lor, blow me! he will be 'ard to please;

They'll last for months— unless there's a breeze"

In the beautiful house that Jerry built.

— A.E.F., The House that Jerry Built, "Brick"