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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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[–] • 4 pts

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

[–] [deleted] • 0 pt

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.