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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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[–] • 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.