Jaywalking: meaning, definitions and examples
🚶♂️
jaywalking
[ ˈjeɪˌwɔːkɪŋ ]
traffic violation
Jaywalking refers to the act of crossing a street unlawfully or without regard for the traffic rules. This often occurs when a pedestrian crosses a roadway in a place that is not designated for pedestrian crossing or without waiting for a traffic signal. In many jurisdictions, jaywalking is considered a minor offense that can be penalized by fines or warnings. It poses significant safety risks as it disrupts the flow of traffic and increases the potential for accidents.
Synonyms
illegal crossing, pedestrian violation, traffic infraction
Examples of usage
- She was ticketed for jaywalking across the busy intersection.
- Jaywalking can lead to dangerous situations for both pedestrians and drivers.
- The city implemented new signs to discourage jaywalking in high-traffic areas.
Translations
Translations of the word "jaywalking" in other languages:
🇵🇹 atravessar fora da faixa
🇮🇳 ट्रैफिक नियमों का उल्लंघन करते हुए सड़क पार करना
🇩🇪 falsches Überqueren der Straße
🇮🇩 menyeberang jalan sembarangan
🇺🇦 перехід дороги в недозволеному місці
🇵🇱 przechodzenie przez ulicę w niedozwolonym miejscu
🇯🇵 信号無視で横断する
🇫🇷 traverser la rue hors des passages piétons
🇪🇸 cruzar la calle imprudentemente
🇹🇷 yaya geçidi dışından geçmek
🇰🇷 횡단보도 없이 도로를 건너다
🇸🇦 عبور الشارع بشكل غير قانوني
🇨🇿 přecházení silnice na nevhodném místě
🇸🇰 prechádzanie cez ulicu na nevhodnom mieste
🇨🇳 不按规定过马路
🇸🇮 prečkanje ceste na nedovoljenem mestu
🇮🇸 yfirferðir á götunni á ólöglegan hátt
🇰🇿 заңсыз жолды кесіп өту
🇬🇪 გზის გადაკვეთა არარეგულარულად
🇦🇿 yolda qanunsuz keçid
🇲🇽 cruzar la calle de manera imprudente
Etymology
The term 'jaywalking' emerged in the early 20th century, specifically around the 1920s in the United States. The word 'jay' was a slang term used to describe someone who was considered unsophisticated or ignorant. At that time, roads were transforming primarily for automobile use, becoming safer for cars than pedestrians. As cities grew and traffic increased, authorities sought to encourage pedestrian compliance with traffic rules to reduce accidents. The term was thus coined to describe pedestrians who disregarded these new laws. Initially, jaywalking was seen as a fairly innocent offense, but over time, it became associated with serious implications for road safety. The practice of jaywalking has continued to be a contentious topic in urban planning and traffic regulation discussions, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards mobility and safety.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,447, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.