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    How did the term "quack" come to denote an incompetent doctor?

    Question #124183. Asked by BaronBatty. (Nov 11 11 2:38 AM)


    dippo

    		The phrase comes from a Dutch expression 'Kwakzalver', which means a 'hawker of salve' where salve is a soothing ointment. However, the origin of the word salve means only 'an oily substance'. So, a Kwakzalver sells oily stuff!

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quackery

    Nov 11 11, 2:44 AM
    kinneylover20

    		The term "quack" comes from the Dutch word "quack-salver" first used in the 1500's. A quack-salver is a medical man who sells treatments that don't work. During the Middle Ages, a quack wasn't the sound a duck made, it meant shouting or yelling. The charlatans who sold their wares at the market would shout at the crowds to get their attention.

    From my quiz "Ducking the Question"

    Nov 12 11, 12:09 AM

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