Jaywalker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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jaywalker
[ËdĘeÉŞËwÉËkÉr ]
Definitions
urban
A person who crosses a street or road without regard for traffic regulations or signals.
Synonyms
crosser, pedestrian, unlawful walker.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| jaywalker |
Used to describe someone who crosses the street illegally or recklessly, ignoring traffic signals and rules. This term often carries a negative connotation.
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| pedestrian |
A general term for someone who is walking, usually along a road or street. This word does not specifically relate to crossing the street.
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| crosser |
A neutral term referring to someone who crosses the street. It doesn't specify whether the crossing is legal or illegal.
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| unlawful walker |
A formal or legalistic term used to describe someone who crosses the street in a way that breaks the law. This term is rarely used in everyday conversation.
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Examples of usage
- The city has been cracking down on jaywalkers in the downtown area.
- The jaywalker was lucky to avoid getting hit by a car.
informal
A person who walks in a reckless or careless manner, often putting themselves or others in danger.
Synonyms
careless pedestrian, dangerous crosser, reckless walker.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| jaywalker |
This word is commonly used to describe someone who crosses the street illegally or without following the traffic rules. It is typically used in everyday conversation and news reports.
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| reckless walker |
This term refers to someone who walks in a way that is very careless and could endanger themselves or others. It has a negative connotation and is used in discussions about pedestrian safety.
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| careless pedestrian |
This term refers to a pedestrian who is not paying attention or is otherwise being irresponsible while walking. It's used when emphasizing a lack of attention or caution, often in safety discussions.
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| dangerous crosser |
This phrase is used to highlight the potential danger posed by someone crossing the street recklessly. It's often used in more formal or cautionary contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He's such a jaywalker, always bumping into things.
- Don't be a jaywalker and pay attention to where you're going.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Traffic Safety
- Crosswalks and pedestrian signals are designed to reduce accidents and emphasize safe crossing practices.
- In the U.S., about 6,000 pedestrians are killed each year due to traffic incidents, underscoring the importance of safety for walkers.
- Education on jaywalking laws is crucial for reducing risks in urban environments, where dense traffic is common.
Cultural Impact
- In film and literature, jaywalking is often portrayed as rebellious or careless behavior, reflecting broader themes of individuality versus social order.
- Public service campaigns have used humor and shock value to discourage jaywalking, proving that engagement can reform attitudes.
- In different cultures, the acceptability of jaywalking varies, with some societies maintaining strict pedestrian rules and others showing more leniency.
Psychology
- Studies indicate that pedestrians often underestimate the dangers of jaywalking, affected by overconfidence in their ability to judge traffic.
- Environmental factors, such as poor visibility or insufficient signage, can increase the likelihood of people choosing to jaywalk.
- Peer influence can also play a role; in crowded locations, individuals may fall into the behavior of skipping crosswalks because 'everyone else is doing it.'
Legal Aspects
- Jaywalking can result in fines in many cities, with legislation aimed at promoting safer walking practices.
- Some urban areas view strict enforcement as a way to encourage responsible behavior and reduce pedestrian injuries.
- Legal definitions of jaywalking differ worldwide, affecting how strictly it is governed and enforced.
Origin of 'jaywalker'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'jaywalker' originated in America in the early 20th century and combined 'jay' (a foolish person) and 'walker' (one who walks).
- Initially, it referred to someone walking awkwardly or inelegantly, but evolved to describe unsafe street crossing.
- The rise of automobiles in the 1920s highlighted pedestrian safety, making the term more relevant.
The term 'jaywalker' originated in the early 20th century in the United States. It was originally used to describe someone from the countryside or a 'jay' who was unfamiliar with the ways of the city and would walk in a naive or careless manner, often obstructing traffic. Over time, the term evolved to specifically refer to pedestrians who cross streets unlawfully or in a reckless manner.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,974, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.