Here's a breakdown:
* Frankfurter: The word itself directly refers to the city of Frankfurt.
* Frankfurt am Main: The full name of the city, emphasizing its location on the Main River.
* Wurst: The German word for sausage.
Origin Story:
While the exact origin of the "frankfurter" sausage is debated, it's widely believed that:
* Early 15th Century: Butchers in Frankfurt started producing a specific type of sausage that became known as "Frankfurter Würstchen" (Frankfurt sausage).
* Popularity: These sausages gained popularity throughout Germany and beyond, becoming associated with the city of Frankfurt.
* International Recognition: The name "frankfurter" spread internationally, particularly in the United States, where it became synonymous with the specific type of sausage.
Interesting Fact:
The "hot dog" we know in the US, while often referred to as a "frankfurter," actually originated in Germany with a different type of sausage. The modern "hot dog" was brought to the United States by German immigrants and evolved over time.