quacks?

[mopseybeddow]

why is the doctors sometimes referred to as the quacks?

[Quizmonster]

Click here for an expert's answer.

[feebal]

Believe it was something to do with plague and the doctors going around with those bizarre beaky type masks on to stop themselves from catching it. Hence: quacks.

[Quizmonster]

Obviously, I have no idea what Feebal's qualifications in language are, but I can assure you that Michael Quinion - the expert in my link - is a noted etymologist and lexicographer. It's his job to know where words and phrases originate and his explanation agrees with his ex-employer's...The Oxford English Dictionary, the 'bible' of English words. So not much doubt there, then.
I love stories such as the beaky mask one, but sadly they are usually incorrect. Sorry, F! Cheers

[nickmo]

Mr Q. doesnt comment that the massive anti Dutch sentiment a couple of hundred years ago led to its use as a derogatory term as in 'going dutch' or 'my Dutch uncle' as feelings against the Dutch rose with trade wars and empire building.