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Frank (1) - adjective: frank; comparative adjective: franker; superlative adjective: frankest

1. Honest and direct, especially when having to tell someone something they don’t want to hear.

“She had a frank talk with her son when he came home from school crying because he hated his name and wished his parents named him Steve or Mike or Liam.”

“His dad had a franker conversation than his mom and told his son he should grow up and be proud of his name because it sounded strong and dignified, like his war-torn grandfather.”

2. Open and sincere in manner or appearance.

“She looked at her son with the frankest concern as he shuffled to his bedroom with his head hung low, unable to feel connected to his family, and his name.”

Frank (2) - verb: frank; third person present: franks; past tense: franked; past participle: franked; gerund or present participle: franking

To stamp an official marking on a letter or parcel.

“One time the most popular kid in eighth grade, Liam, franked a sign on the boy’s shirt that read: Take my stuff.”

“The boy franked his name on a Batman thermos and lunch box he stole because he hated all the other kids.”

Frank (3) - noun: frank; plural noun: franks

A mark or signature to show that postage has been paid.

“Many years later, an elderly mom received a piece of franked mail from the Marion Correctional Facility from her troubled son, Frank.

This flash fiction story was inspired by Steve Martin’s “Disgruntled Former Lexicographer.” It was also inspired by the chapter “Lists” in David Galef’s book, Brevity: A Flash Fiction Handbook.