Three plausible suggestions for the origin of &quot;flea market.&quot; <br />
<br />
The first theory, and the one most popular on the Internet, proposes that the term is a direct translation of the French MarchÃ© aux Puces, a large, outdoor bazaar in Paris. This original market earned its name from the critter-infested goods it was rumored to sell. <br />
<br />
The second theory alleges that the term was coined at a time when the slums and alleys of Paris were demolished and replaced by new construction. The dealers in second-hand goods who lived and worked in these old neighborhoods were forced to flee. The merchants&#39; new gathering place was referred to as the &quot;flee market,&quot; which later became &quot;flea market.&quot; <br />
<br />
The final theory associates the term with New York City&#39;s 18th century Fly Market. Apparently, the Dutch name for the market was vlie, which means valley but is pronounced &quot;flea.&quot; <br />
<br />
Which one do you choose to believe...:grin: