jack
JAK
/dʒæk/
A portable device for raising heavy objects, especially vehicles, off the ground; to raise something using such a device.
Typically refers to a mechanical or hydraulic tool operated by hand to lift one corner of a car.
The story behind the word. Named after the common English nickname Jack, which was historically used to refer to any ordinary working-class man or servant. Because 'Jack' did all the heavy lifting, the name was transferred to mechanical devices that replaced human labor.
Word relationships
- lift: Lift is a general term for raising something, while jack is the specific mechanical tool used for vehicles.
- lower: Lower is the act of bringing the vehicle back down to the ground.
Commonly confused with
- lever: A lever is a simple bar used to pry things up, while a jack is a complex mechanical device with gears or hydraulics.
Word family
- jacking (noun): The act of lifting something with a jack.
Collocations
- car jack
- jack up
- hydraulic jack
Idioms & expressions
- jack up (to raise prices or values suddenly)
Example sentences
- "He used a hydraulic jack to lift the front wheel of the car so he could swap the flat tire." Changing a flat tire.
Memory hook
Think of a strong guy named Jack lifting your car with his bare hands. Jack lifts the car.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a 'hoist' or 'crane', which lift entire vehicles from above.
Fun facts
- The term 'jack-of-all-trades' and the mechanical 'jack' both stem from this historical use of 'Jack' as a generic term for a useful helper.
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