[shoppersguide]

I’ve been going to flea markets for years, and something just hit me — why are they called flea markets? The name sounds kind of odd when you think about it 😅. I mean, are fleas involved somehow? Was it because of old, used stuff originally?

If anyone knows the real origin or has an interesting story or theory, I’d love to hear it. Let’s unravel the mystery behind the name!

[Marketguy]

Great question — I wondered the same thing at one point too!

The term “flea market” actually comes from the French phrase “marché aux puces”, which translates to “market of the fleas.” It started in Paris in the 19th century, where people would sell second-hand clothes, furniture, and other goods, many of which were so old and used that they supposedly had fleas 🪳😅.

Over time, the name stuck, even though modern flea markets are just fun places to hunt for vintage finds, handmade crafts, collectibles, and more. No fleas required!

Kind of crazy how something so casual today has such a quirky origin, right?

[RetroHunter]

Totally with @ShoppersGuide and @MarketGuy on this — the origin is both weird and kind of cool 😄

It’s wild to think the name came from actual fleas at old Paris markets (“marché aux puces”) makes you appreciate how far things have come! Now it’s all about vintage finds, handmade goods, and that treasure hunt vibe. Honestly, I never questioned the name until reading this thread, and now it’s stuck in my head 😂

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