What does frank mean?
'Frank' describes openness and honesty in expression — a frank person says what they truly think without softening or hiding uncomfortable truths. The adjective carries broadly positive connotations, signalling sincerity and trustworthiness, though excessive frankness can tip into bluntness that listeners may find tactless. It appears most often in phrases like 'a frank discussion,' 'to be frank,' and 'in all frankness,' frequently prefacing an admission or criticism. The word has other lives as well: as a verb, 'to frank' means to mark correspondence as postage-paid, and as a noun, 'a frank' colloquially names a frankfurter sausage. The adjective's history is striking: it descends through Old French 'franc,' meaning free, from the Franks, the Germanic people whose name helped name France itself. To call someone frank is thus, historically, to call them unconstrained — free to speak their mind.
Open, honest, and direct in speech or expression, especially about matters others may find awkward.
"He was remarkably frank about his own shortcomings."
Often used in the fixed phrase 'to be frank.'
Informally, a frankfurter — a seasoned, smoked sausage typically served in a sliced bun.
"He grilled a few franks for the backyard cookout."
To mark a letter or parcel with an official signature, stamp, or meter indicating that postage has been paid or is waived.
"Members of Congress can frank official mail sent to constituents."
Applies only to the noun sense referring to frankfurter sausages; the adjective does not have a plural form.
"She bought a pack of franks and buns for the picnic."
When you say someone is being 'frank,' you're literally calling them a free person — the word comes from the Franks, the Germanic tribe whose name gave France its own.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of frank
The English word 'frank' traces back to Old French 'franc,' meaning free or unrestricted, which itself derives from 'Francus,' the Latinized name of the Franks, the Germanic tribe that settled in Gaul and gave France its name. Because the Franks were free men rather than slaves under Frankish law, their tribal name came to denote freedom. From this root grew both the adjective 'frank' (free in expression, hence candid) and related words such as 'franchise' and the medieval 'franklin,' a class of free landowner. The sausage called a 'frank' takes its name not from the tribe but from Frankfurt, the German city associated with frankfurters.
Related word forms
How frank is actually used
Being frank is generally valued, though it can shade into bluntness that some find harsh. The phrase 'to be frank' or 'frankly' often signals that an uncomfortable truth is about to follow. As a noun, 'a frank' (the sausage) is informal American usage.
Easily confused with frank
A franc is a unit of currency formerly used in France and other countries, whereas frank is an adjective meaning candid or a noun/verb relating to mail and sausages.