History of Jaywalker
English Word Origins : Learn More here --> Learn English Online
You can see the sign "No Jaywalking" or "No Jaywalker" on the street to remind pedestrians not to cross the road or violate the traffic law. Do you want to know why do we call those violator Jaywalker?
The word jay is used to call person from up country who just came to the big city.
This person usually do something strange in the city people eyes such as cross the street in a prohibited area etc.
Therefore, jaywalker is an analogy of person who does something city people don't do. "No Jaywalker" sign is to remind people not to do something strange that the others don't do which, in turn, violates the law.
Actually, the real meaning of Jay is a type of birds. They are so colorful but look silly and clumsy. That's why we use the word jay to ironically call people who just come from up country.
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