Why flea markets are called "flea markets"
Popular folk names, as a rule, have a simple origin, but are associated with an interesting history. There are many examples, for example, this is how the slang name for money appeared - "babki". The situation with the expression "flea market" is more complicated and interesting, because it is used not only in our country, but in many countries of the world, and for a very long time. Experts still cannot come to a consensus on how exactly this term arose. Nevertheless, there are several logical and convincing versions of its origin.
Markets where second-hand things are sold are called "flea markets" not only in our country. Similar expressions are used by the English, French, Germans and Americans. Most often, the authorship of the term is associated with the French. In the 19th century, one Parisian antique dealer visited a market of old things and noticed that many of the goods were literally teeming with fleas. It was then that the name "le marché aux puces" appeared, which literally translates as "flea market".
The version about unsanitary conditions is the most widespread all over the world. But there are also earlier expressions related to insects. For example, across the ocean, in New York's Manhattan, the Fly Market appeared back in 1699. By the beginning of the century, it had become the main one in the city. Probably, the expression was borrowed from Europe and reworked to suit their taste.
Some philologists believe that Londoners got the name Flea market from the distorted word "flee market", which means "runaway market". This concept came from France and is associated with the reconstruction of Paris carried out in the mid-19th century by Baron Haussmann. During the so-called "Haussmannization" of the city, the center was rebuilt, and Parisian markets "ran away" closer to the outskirts.
Modern flea markets can hardly be called breeding grounds for fleas, but the expression has firmly established itself in several languages. But it is still far from understood everywhere. In the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa and South America, there are their own, special names for such markets, associated with local traditions.
The structure and location of "flea markets" differ in different countries. While in the US and Europe they allocate territories for them and provide the appropriate infrastructure, such markets are most often spontaneous. They usually appear near regular markets, often in the city center. Many of them appeared in the 90s, when people sold everything to make ends meet. In Russia, city authorities are not always happy with spontaneous "flea markets" and they are often dispersed by the police.
Today, flea markets are not only an opportunity to find rare things, but also a whole culture that unites collectors, vintage lovers and just curious passers-by. What do you think about such markets? Have you ever bought something unusual there or maybe sold your things? Share your stories in the comments!