Plural of bleak; a species of small freshwater fish with silver scales, or multiple bleak conditions.
From Old Norse 'bleikr' meaning pale or whitish, likely referring to the fish's shiny, pale scales. The fish was named for its appearance, then 'bleak' became a standalone word meaning pale or barren.
The fish got its name because it's super shiny and silvery—but that same shiny quality is why old people used bleak fish scales to make fake pearls for fake jewelry!
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