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"Jay" was slang for "Foolish Person". So when a pedestrian ignored street signs, he was a "Jaywalker".

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The term "jaywalker" is deeply rooted in early 20th-century American culture, originating from the word "jay," which was slang for a foolish or naive person. During this time, as automobiles began to dominate the streets, there was a significant increase in the number of accidents involving pedestrians. Cities were busier, and the once-common practice of freely crossing roads became hazardous. Motor vehicle associations, keen to lay the blame for accidents involving pedestrians away from the drivers, found the term "jaywalker" perfectly encapsulated their campaign.

Pedestrians who crossed streets recklessly, or ignored traffic signals, were likened to naive country folk, unfamiliar with the city's fast-paced environment—hence the term 'jay' walker. This term then popularized the idea that streets fundamentally belong to cars and not to people, which was a shift from the earlier times when streets were considered public spaces. The term "jaywalker" came to describe someone who crossed the street in an unlawful or unsafe manner, contrasting them with the more vigilant and sophisticated urban dwellers who followed the new norms of road safety.

The enforcement of jaywalking laws followed as cities began to implement traffic control measures, which included pedestrian signals and designated crossing areas. These laws were predominantly driven by the automobile industry's desire to enhance the flow of traffic and protect drivers legally in the event of accidents. Thus, jaywalking laws not only discouraged the free use of streets by pedestrians but also legally reinforced the dominance of automobiles on city roads.

Over time, the term "jaywalker" and the accompanying legal framework have had a significant influence on urban development and the shaping of public behavior norms. It highlights how societal adjustments to technological advancements can be subtly guided by commercial interests and can lead to a long-lasting impact on city planning and public habits. Such changes have not only shaped the physical landscape of urban environments but also influenced the cultural perceptions of space and mobility within cities.