Why is a Flea Market called a Flea Market?

It’s been many years since I have been to a flea market, but I have always wondered why it was called a “Flea Market” instead of a “Discount Market” or some other name not having to do with insects.

According to Dictionary.com, the first flea markets were in Paris and they were called marché aux puces which means ‘market with fleas’.  Fleas were thought to be in some of the goods exchanged or sold since they were old and the kind to attract vermin.

So, there you have it. The term flea market did have was originally associated with that tiny, pesky insect.

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