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Contrary to popular belief, the term jaywalking does not derive from the shape of the letter “J” (referencing the path a jaywalker might travel when crossing a road). Rather, it comes from the fact that “Jay” used to be a generic term for someone who was an idiot, dull, rube, unsophisticated, poor, or simpleton.

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2012/07/origin-of-the-term-jaywalking/

Contrary to popular belief, the term jaywalking does not derive from the shape of the letter “J” (referencing the path a jaywalker might travel when crossing a road). Rather, it comes from the fact that “Jay” used to be a generic term for someone who was an idiot, dull, rube, unsophisticated, poor, or simpleton. http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2012/07/origin-of-the-term-jaywalking/

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[–] 6 pts

request to rename to

[–] 5 pts

Denied.

[–] 7 pts

No one asked you Jay.

[–] 3 pts

I like it when you jump to conclusions. They're so delicious.

[–] 4 pts

I was told “Jay” was in reference to niggers.

Jayrome?

[–] 0 pt

I looked it up, just now. Looks like it was about a state of carelessness. “Aimless as a jaybird,” aka a bluejay. So, it wasn’t about niggers after all.

[–] 3 pts

I always thought it followed the path of a jay bird.

[–] 3 pts

That's actually neat. Thanks for sharing.

[–] 2 pts

“Some jay of Italy . . . hath betray'd him.”

[–] 2 pts

I'll add a factoid to your factoid: "jaywalking" was popularized by the auto industry who paid newspapers to publish the term in their articles relating to auto+pedestrian accidents.

This was when the auto was first taking over cities and there was a social 'fight' between those who felt the streets still belonged to the people on foot and the auto industry that just wanted to sell more vehicles.

Nothing ever changes. Media always serves a bigger interest than your own. :|

[–] 0 pt

to be fair, im pretty sure acting the cunt on a busy road in say, the old west would be just as retarded as doing it now.

[–] 2 pts

I enjoy Patrick Little's definition more.

[–] 2 pts

Well call me Jay then.

[–] 4 pts

I’ll pretend I’m going to hit you if you jaywalk. Using crosswalks properly and waiting for right of way is a societal test similar to putting your shopping cart in the basket corral.

If you jump out into the street like a nigger, I’m going to fuck with you.

[–] 0 pt

Like I care. "Following the rules" isn't my thing. If I get hit by a bus while jaywalking, well then, I deserve it.

I just yell out "You're a fuckin rebel!"

[–] 1 pt

Everyone start calling nogs J. If a nog ask you why, tell him he looks like Jay-Z.

[–] 0 pt

CJ is also valid.

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