Word of the Day: Jaywalk
When you jaywalk you cross the street illegally, i.e., not in at a crosswalk or intersection or dangerously such as on a Don’t Walk sign.
Jaywalk comes from the term Jay-driver which was a person who drove their car or horse and carriage on the wrong side of the road.
As you can see it’s been around for a while because not many people drive a horse and carriage anymore.
I don’t know why they drove on the wrong side of the road. I also don’t understand why people used the term jay-drivers. However, somehow the term jaywalker eventually came to be used. Language develops in strange ways I guess.
Funnily enough, the term jay-driver is no longer used, but everyone knows what jaywalking means, and it’s something for which police can give you a ticket.
Remember not to be your own worst enemy.
Look both ways before you cross the street and always be sure to do it in an appropriate location.