Jaywalking

Posted by R. Berg on January 19, 2001

In Reply to: J-walking posted by Jane on January 19, 2001

: I'm wondering what the origin of the phrase J-walking is. Can anyone tell me.

American Heritage Dictionary defines "jaywalk" as "To cross a street illegally or recklessly" and says it comes from "jay" (newcomer). "Jay" is traced back through Middle English to Old French to Late Latin "gaius" and "gaia."

• Jaywalking ESC 01/20/01