What is the origin of the phrase 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.

Where did term flea market come from?

The term 'flea market' is a direct translation of the French phrase 'marche aux puces,' which literally implies that some of the furniture, used clothing, and other items might be flea-infested.

Why do Americans call it a flea market?

According to the association that runs one of the markets today, the term first sprang up in the 1880s when an unknown bargain hunter looked upon the market with its rags and old furniture and dubbed it le marché aux puces (“market of fleas”), because of shoppers' perceptions that some of the more time-worn wares sold ...

What is the meaning of the idiom flea market?

a market where old or used goods are sold cheaply, usually outside: Flea-market operators worry that they may soon lose much of their business. (Definition of flea market from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

What does flea mean in market?

This term may stem from New York's 18th-century Fly Market. Definitions of flea market. an open-air street market for inexpensive or secondhand articles. type of: market square, open-air market, open-air marketplace. a public marketplace where food and merchandise is sold.

Why is it called a flea market? The meaning and origin of the popular weekend destination.

What is a flea market Oxford dictionary?

/ˈfliː mɑːrkɪt/ ​an outdoor market that sells second-hand (= old or used) goods at low prices. Definitions on the go. Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary app.

What are some other names for flea market?

What is the meaning of flea market in the UK?

British Dictionary definitions for flea market

flea market. noun. an open-air market selling cheap and often second-hand goods.

What is the meaning of Sunday flea market?

According to the Oxford Dictionary the term "Flea Market" is based on the French term marché aux puces. Based on the literal translation, this was name given to the "original" Sunday Flea Market in Paris. The market specialized in shabby second-hand goods that could have contained fleas.

Why do people sell at flea markets?

Steady Foot Traffic: Flea markets that have been around for decades are more likely to experience steady foot traffic, which helps you gain exposure. Your stall gives you the opportunity to develop regular customers who would be willing to continue buying your products if you decide to expand your venture later on.

Who came up with flea market?

The first reference to the term "Flea Market" appeared in two conflicting stories about a location in Paris, France in the 1860's known as the marche aux puces, translation, "Flea Market".

What do Mexicans call flea markets?

In Spanish, a flea market is typically referred to as "mercado de pulgas" or simply "mercado." "Mercado de pulgas" directly translates to "flea market," while "mercado" can be used more broadly to describe a market or marketplace of various kinds. The slang way of saying flea market in Spanish is “La Pulga “.

What are French flea markets called?

A trip to a brocante, vide grenier, braderie or marché de puces as they are called in France delivers more than just a deal, it's a chance to immerse yourself in the French culture, meet people and join in a social tradition that is one of the most popular in France…

What is the largest flea market in the world?

First Monday Canton | Canton, TX | World's Largest Flea Market.

What is the difference between a flea market and an antique market?

And antique is an item that is a certain age or older and verified as an antique. A flea market is a place where you go and buy things that people no longer want. They could be antiques or it could just be some thing they bought yesterday and change their mind about.

Are flea markets called flea markets?

The Oxford English Dictionary in 1922 said yes, it's a flea market because all the second-hand stuff gathers fleas. Another suggestion is those same markets had to move when Paris began to construct broad avenues. The markets had to flee to another location in the city — they became flee markets.

What is the biggest outdoor market in the UK?

Lauded as the largest open-air market in England, Norwich Market is famous for its 200 stalls sheltered by colourful stripy awnings (you definitely won't miss it).

Why is it called a flea circus?

A flea circus is a circus sideshow attraction in which fleas are attached (or appear to be attached) to miniature carts and other items, and encouraged to perform circus acts within a small housing.

What do you wear on a flea market date?

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

Flea markets and craft shows involve lots of walking. Wear practical clothes and comfortable shoes that will endure hours of pacing between stalls.

Why do people love flea markets?

One of the best reasons to visit your local flea markets is to take advantage of bargains and discounts. Flea markets have a large variety of goods for sale, including one-of-a-kind items, at an affordable cost. Shoppers can also trade or haggle with vendors in an attempt to get an even better deal.

What are the disadvantages of flea market?

Does the UK have flea markets?

Perhaps the UK's most famous fair and flea market, Newark draws dealers from across the world. Under normal circumstances, more than 2,000 stalls squeeze into its 80-acre site, meaning that the atmosphere here is very crowded and very buzzy (think: Columbia Road on a Sunday, except with antiques rather than flowers).

Where is the largest flea market held?

Occupying 690 miles along the highway, 127 Corridor Sale is hands down one of the largest flea markets you will ever attend. It spans multiple states and often hosts more than 1,500 vendors.

What is typically sold at a flea market?

Antiques

Other antiques are available at flea markets besides just vintage jewelry, such as antique furniture, artwork, and other collectibles. One popular vintage item falls under both the electronic and antique categories. Old-school video games are quite popular among the 1.8 billion video gamers in the world.

Is flea market one word or two words?

A flea market is an outdoor market which sells cheap used goods and sometimes also very old furniture.