No, it's not a bad word at all. It's like calling someone an idiot - insulting but not vulgar. There's nothing obscene about it. It isn't even a swear word - it's just an insult. Sorry to disappoint you.

It's an insult. But, applied to a person, is not bad language--it's not vulgar, obscene, profane. It's not a bad word. It's like calling someone "an idiot." In U.S. English, the phrasal verb "to jerk off" _is_ obscene. It means "to masturbate." To call someone "a jerk-off" is an obscene insult. I'm not sure, but I think it's equivalent to British, "a wanker."

The word "jerk" is highly offensive and can get you into a lot of hot water. I would recommend not using it at all.

"jerk" as a noun can be used in several different situations. It is typically only meant in a very insulting way when used by children. When used by adults it is often used in a teasing or flirtatious way, because it is not vulgar or a swear word. For example, if I start teasing my girlfriend about something, she might hit my lightly with the back of hand and tell me: "Stop being such a jerk!" When adults really want to insult someone, they will normally say something more vulgar like "asshole" or "dumbass." Also, I agree with Dan Smith, do not use the term "jerk off", either as a noun or verb, unless you really know what you're doing. It does mean "wanker" in British or "Wichser" in German.