Well, now when I see it in other UK-centric fandoms, I will have to think twice about their use of it. Thank you Wendy!
As for the change in meaning of words, like jerk, I totally understand. In the states, it basically means a rude person or someone being 'chumpy'
However, from Elisabeth's background, it totally means something else. To her and hers, it brings to mind a 'soda jerk', which is someone that works at one of those old-fashioned ice cream parlors where they make soda/pop by combining flavorings with soda water.
Words are strange and wonderful things!
James
