What does the word flea mean in flea market?

The most common explanation is that the term is a translation of the French marché aux puces (literally “market of fleas”), so-named for the pests that were thought to infest the upholstery of second-hand furniture sold at such markets.

Why do they call it flea market?

Though the history of flea markets is difficult to pinpoint, the term “Flea Market”, may come from the French moniker, “marché aux puces”, a title that was given to a Parisian market that specialized in selling second-hand goods – which may or may not have contained actual fleas.

What does flea stand for in flea market?

There is a general agreement that the term 'Flea Market' is a literal translation of the French marché aux puces, an outdoor bazaar in Paris, France, named after those pesky little parasites of the order Siphonaptera (or "wingless bloodsucker") that infested the upholstery of old furniture brought out for sale.

Why do they call it a flea?

Old English flea "flea," from Proto-Germanic *flauhaz (source also of Old Norse flo, Middle Dutch vlo, German Floh), perhaps related to Old English fleon "to flee," with a notion of "the jumping parasite," but more likely from PIE *plou- "flea" (source also of Latin pulex, Greek psylla; see Pulex).

Why is it called a flea market in England?

A little more than one hundred years have passed since 'flea market' first made an appearance in writing, making it into the Oxford English Dictionary in 1922 after the book “In Europe” stated, “It is called the 'Flea' Market because there are so many second hand articles sold of all kinds that they are believed to ...

How to Shop A Flea Market Like A Pro | Brimfield | Architectural Digest

Why is it called a flea market if they don't sell fleas?

It stems from the French “marché aux puces,” which literally translates to “market of the fleas.” Interesting right? Well, hang on, it's about to get a little gross. This name was coined in reference to the old, used items sold at these markets, which were often infested with fleas.

What is a fancy name for a flea market?

A marketplace that rents spaces to a variety of sellers is a flea market, also known as a bazaar or a swap meet.

Where do flea markets get their stuff?

Speaking of private collections, estate sales or house clearances are common sources of flea market items. There are many advantages to shopping at estate sales. Prices are usually reasonable and items can be in great condition, especially if they haven't moved much.

How did fleas get their name?

The order name Siphonaptera is derived from Greek (siphon = tube; aptera = wingless) and refers to fleas as wingless siphons. This name seems appropriate for reasons explained later. Fleas represent an order of about 1.400 species of holometabolous, endopterygote Neoptera, divided into about 20 families.

Who has the largest Flea Market in the world?

✨ Enjoy One of a Kind Shopping and A True Texas Experience When You Visit the World's Largest Flea Market at First Monday Trade Days in Canton!

Why do they call it a cup of Joe?

In 1914, Secretary of the Navy Josephus “Joe” Daniels banned alcohol from all U.S. Navy ships. As this was close to the start of World War I, many young men would soon find themselves aboard a ship where the strongest drink available was coffee, or a “cup of joe.”

Does the UK have flea markets?

The Giant London Flea Market is London's largest indoor flea market, hosting over 100 of the finest traders of vintage home decor, & peddlers of preloved bargains.

What is flea a nickname for?

Flea's real name is Michael Balzary, and Kiedis nicknamed him 'Mickey B The Flea' because he couldn't sit still. Eventually, it shortened to just 'Flea', and the rest is history.

What is the proper name for a flea?

All fleas belong to the order Siphonaptera, which includes around 2 500 species. Only two families include species of medical and veterinary importance: Pulicidae and Ceratophyllidae.

What can you not sell at a flea market?

Items: Do not sell or attempt to sell, market, advertise, give away, or have in your possession: pets, illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia, medicines, nutritional supplements, alcohol, food, beverages, polystyrene foam disposable food service ware including cups and food containers, candy, stolen property, poppers, ...

What are the disadvantages of a flea market?

How did the term flea market start?

However, while the Fly Market certainly existed, and its name was evidently indeed pronounced ”flea market,” the actual origin of the term most probably lies in Paris, where Le Marche aux Puces (literally, “market of the fleas”) was a popular shopping venue.

What is the lifespan of a flea?

An adult flea in the right conditions and food supply can live up to 100 days or 2 to 3 months. Without a host or proper conditions, a flea will live up to a few days or just 1 to 3 weeks. In need of flea pest control? Contact an Orkin Pro near you to schedule a free pest control inspection.

Do human fleas still exist?

The human flea is very rare, but unfortunately although the different species of flea prefer to feed on their specific host, they will bite other hosts if they are hungry enough. Most of the flea infestations found in houses and on people are cat fleas.

Why can't you crush fleas?

These pests are very hard to get rid of. Fleas have flattened bodies so they can move through the fur of their hosts easily. They also have very strong exoskeletons, making them very hard to crush. They also leap out of danger quickly and are very small, so if they do get away they are hard to find again.