Today Ryan Learned the Origin of the Term “Flea Market”

Once again, my curiosity leads to knowledge for you.

My 7-year-old daughter and I drove past the flea market building behind Diamond Bowling Lanes at the intersection of Diamond and Fares on the way home earlier this week, and like all inquisitive 7-year-olds, she asked me why flea markets are called "flea markets". I told her I didn't know, but I would find out, and so I did.

According to Dictionary.com, flea markets began in Paris, and featured secondhand items often infested with fleas. These markets became known as marché aux puces in French (pronounced mar-she aw poos), which translates to "flea market" in English. It first appeared in English print in 1922.

So know you know, and knowing is half the battle.