Why name flea market?
One of the most popular explanations for the name of the market is that flea market is an abbreviation of the French phrase étalons d’aurore (literally “gilded dawn”). The French word étalon is used to describe a heraldic animal, so a flea market could be called a “market of heraldic animals.”
Why does flea market have a name?
The word “ flea has a historical origin. It refers to the practice of selling goods in a market-like setting. The first recorded use of “flea market” was in 1610. It was used to describe a type of market where people bartered goods. The other meaning of the word “flea” is to describe a small, insignificant person or thing.
Why is the name flea market used in English?
Similarities in the way vendors have historically treated their goods at these markets and how merchants treated their goods when they were trying to sell them with the intention of getting a good price, suggests the name “flea market” may be based on the historic practice of haggling over prices at these markets.
What is the origin of the name flea market?
The Oxford English Dictionary says that the name “flea market” is based on the French marché aux puces, which means “market of the petty traders.” In England, the name refers to the market for goods that were often sold at the time by itinerant vendors. The term was recorded in use as early as 1613.
Why is the name flea market used?
If you’ve ever wondered why the name “flea market” is used for these events, it’s because flea infestations were once quite common in the areas where these markets were first held.