[Ads-l] jake brakes (not in OED)

[Bill Mullins]

n. and v., truck brakes, typically very loud, that use engine compression to slow down the vehicle

1964 The Missouian-Sentinel 27 June 12/1

Jake-brake and scales, motor overhauled, 10 new tires, the rest extra good.

https://www.newspapers.com/image/349246939/?match=7&terms=%22jake%20brake%22%20trucks



1966 Albany OR Democrat-Herald 1 Nov 12/7

The city council has expressed disapproval of the use of noisy "Jake" or compression brakes by logging truck drivers on streets within the city limits, as such use is in violation of a city ordinance against unnecessary noise.

https://www.newspapers.com/image/441785672/?match=1&terms=%22jake%20brake%22%20trucks


1984 T. Davis Be Tough or Be Gone 109

The jake brakes on the logging trucks were another problem.

https://archive.org/details/betoughorbegonea00davi/page/109/mode/1up?q=%22jake+brakes%22


2001 PS: The Preventive Maintenance Monthly Nov 34/1

Never use jake brakes in slippery conditions.

https://archive.org/details/ps-1999/PS_588/page/n18/mode/1up?q=%22jake+brakes%22


2004 K. Hannah Between Sisters 104

The driver, a long-hauler named Erv, hit the Jake Brakes and shifted gears.

https://archive.org/details/betweensisters00hann/page/104/mode/1up?q=%22jake+brakes%22




2010 J. Varner Nothing Left to Burn: a Memoir 14

The silence of night was broken by the distant wail of a freight train as it beat and clanked along the railroad tracks, or by the machine-gunning Jake Brakes on the semis rolling on Route 522 through McVeytown.

https://archive.org/details/nothinglefttobur0000varn/page/14/mode/1up?q=%22jake+brakes%22



2018 Quincy MA Patriot Ledger 24 Aug 8/5

Residents at a Wednesday night selectman's meeting voiced their concerns about child safety and the noise when trucks Jake brake, a compression release brake.

https://www.newspapers.com/image/1325682457/?match=1&terms=%22jake%20brake%22%20%22compression%20brakes%22




2021 Cedar Falls IA Courier 12 Nov A6/3

"The sheriff's office is not going to sit and wait for a truck to Jake brake," Little said.

https://www.newspapers.com/image/780114737/?match=1&terms=%22jake%20brake%22%20%22compression%20brakes%22

------------------------------------------------------------
The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org