2007-04-19 14:59:51 · 4 answers · asked by ivallrod 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
From the OED website:
The complete Oxford English Dictionary traces the word jaywalker back to 1917 and labels it 'originally US'. There is a cross-reference to the word jay, which has a number of slang senses. The relevant one is 'a stupid or dull person, a simpleton. Also (as adjective) dull, unsophisticated; inferior, poor'. This is labelled 'US colloquial', and there is evidence of use from 1900. So persons who stupidly ignored traffic regulations were given (in Boston, it seems) this compact name.
2007-04-20 00:56:41 · answer #1 · answered by Bonzo the Magnificent 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's an American term that comes from the jay bird which is supposedly a bit dumb & often walks at the edge of the road looking for food. So anyone walking along the edge of the sidewalk (maybe on & off the kerb) or trying to dodge the traffic in a very irresponsible way would be in danger of being run down or causing an accident.
2007-04-19 15:38:40 · answer #2 · answered by funnygirl 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe that "jay" is old-fashioned slang for a dumb person from the country, someone who's dimwitted and not very cosmopolitan. So a Jaywalker is someone who is exhibiting dumb behavior while walking - such as not crossing at the crosswalk.
2007-04-19 15:10:55 · answer #3 · answered by Emily C 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
http://www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/faq/aboutwordorigins/jaywalking?view=uk
2007-04-19 15:08:00 · answer #4 · answered by wild honey 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋