Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈe͡ɪwɔːks] (IPA) 
Jaywalks is a word commonly used to describe pedestrians who cross the road in an illegal or unsafe way. It is spelled as /dʒeɪwɔːks/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The "j" in "jay" is pronounced as "dʒ" like in the word "jungle". The "ay" is pronounced as "eɪ" like in the word "say". The "w" is pronounced as "w" like in the word "water". And finally, the "ks" is pronounced as "ks" like in the word "hooks".
Jaywalks refers to the act of crossing a street or roadway unlawfully or in an unsafe manner, typically in disregard of traffic regulations. This term is primarily used in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. Jaywalking typically involves pedestrians crossing a street outside designated crosswalks, intersections, or against traffic signals. It often involves the crossing of a street mid-block, not at an established crosswalk or pedestrian crossing.
Jaywalking is considered an illegal activity in many jurisdictions, where pedestrian traffic laws require individuals to use designated crosswalks and follow traffic signals for their safety. It is generally seen as a violation of traffic laws, as it can disrupt the flow of vehicular traffic and pose risks to both pedestrians and drivers. However, the degree of enforcement and the penalties associated with jaywalking vary from place to place.
Contrary to popular belief, the term "jaywalking" does not specifically refer to the act of walking in a careless or ignorant manner, but rather to the specific illegal act of crossing a street unlawfully or unsafely. This term originated in the early 20th century in the United States, where it was initially used to mock and criticize rural residents who were unfamiliar with city traffic rules, associating them with the term "jay," which was a colloquial term for an unsophisticated or naive person. Today, jaywalking is a commonly understood term used to describe the illegal or unsafe crossing of streets by pedestrians.
The word "jaywalk" originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is believed to have originated in Kansas City, Missouri, around 1905-1910. The term "jay" originally referred to an inexperienced or foolish person, suggesting that a jaywalker was someone who walked recklessly or carelessly across the street without paying attention to traffic. The word "jay" itself has its origins in American slang of the 19th century, meaning a simpleton or an unsophisticated person. Over time, the term "jaywalk" became widely used to describe the act of crossing a street illegally or without following pedestrian rules or signals.
