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Glossary of Terms
- Marché aux Puces: The French translation for flea market is marché aux puces. The term dates back to the 1800s. Flea markets were very common outdoor bazaars in France during the nineteenth century. Like swap meets, flea markets have individual vendors in stalls, usually outdoors. But some swap meets strictly involve swapping goods with no money, unlike flea markets dealing in cash. The French word marché means market. Aux means of or with. Puce means flea.
Flea Market Overview
- Definition: What is a marche aux puces in english? Flea market comes from the French marché aux puces, a name originally given to a market in Paris which specialized in shabby second-hand goods of the kind that might contain fleas.
- Translation and Origin: The term “Flea Market” is translated from the French marche aux puces, which literally means “outdoor bazaar”. Apparently, sales of goods out of doors was very commonplace in France during the nineteenth century.
- Meaning: What is the meaning of marche aux puce? The term flea market is a calque of French marché aux puces. Both names denote a street market selling second-hand goods.
- Origin: What is the origin of flea market? The term “Flea Market” is translated from the French marche aux puces, which literally means “outdoor bazaar”. Apparently, sales of goods out of doors was very commonplace in France during the nineteenth century.
Paris Flea Market
- Introduction: The Paris Flea Market, formally known as Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, but also often referred to as Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt, or simply Les Puces (The Fleas), is the largest antiques and second-hand market in the world and receives more visitors each year than the Eiffel Tower, welcoming some 100,000 – 200,000 people each weekend!
- Location and Features: The "Marche aux puces Saint-Ouen” is a colorful market on the northern border of Paris that is a favorite stop for tourists and locals alike. In the winding alleyways that make up the Marche shoppers can hone their haggling skills and perhaps find a rarity among the booths and tables.
- Size and Prestige: The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, a sprawling network of warehouses, stands and alleyways on the northern edge of Paris, is the largest antiques and second-hand market in the world and the fourth most visited attraction in France.
- Remarkable Landmark: In conclusion, the Marché aux Puces in Paris is a truly remarkable landmark that offers an incredible array of antique treasures, fashion gems, and unique finds. With its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, it is no wonder that it has become one of the world’s premier flea markets.
Differences and Similarities
- Difference with Swap Meets: What is the difference between a flea market and a swap meet? Like swap meets, flea markets consist of individual vendors or stalls, usually stationed outdoors. But some swap meets strictly involve swapping goods with no money, unlike flea markets dealing in cash.
- Alternate Name: What’s another word for Flea Market? The term flea market is a calque of French marché aux puces. Both names denote a street market selling second-hand goods.
Trivia and History
- Literary and Figurative Meaning: What is the literal and figurative meaning of flea and flea market? The expression flea market comes from the French expression marche aux puces, which has the literal meaning market where one acquires fleas.
- Oldest Flea Market: Brimfield is the oldest outdoor antiques flea market in the country. It began in 1959 in auctioneer Gordon Reid’s backyard but today attracts more than 1 million visitors every year as one of the largest flea markets in the U.S.
- Historical Origins: Flea markets were actually named after fleas! The origin of the word dates way back in medieval age Paris. Traders came up with a genius idea and created the “marché aux puces,” which translates to “flea market.” This outdoor market would sell all kinds of goods that were believed to have fleas.
- Historical Record: The history of the Saint-Ouen Flea Market dates back to the late 19th century. The term "marché aux puces" literally means "flea market," and it likely derived from the fact that secondhand items sold at the market might have been infested with fleas.