3 ms·

Most likely because jaywalking was an insult before a legal word.

• jawilson2 2y ago
  Like 75% of these kinds of phrases in American English, without looking it up I'm going to assume there is a racist etymology behind it.
  • mrguyorama 2y ago
    Many states had to repeal their jaywalking laws during the civil rights movement because police used it as an easy excuse to abuse black people.