Middle of a hamburger NYT Crossword Clue answer
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The answer to the New York Times crossword clue “Middle of a hamburger” is “patty.”
Explanation:
In the context of a hamburger, the “patty” refers to the central, most important component—the meat or vegetarian substitute—placed between the buns. The patty is the core element that defines the hamburger, as it typically provides the primary flavor and texture. In crossword puzzles, clues often rely on wordplay and common knowledge, so recognizing that “middle of a hamburger” refers to the meat or protein portion of the sandwich makes “patty” the correct answer.
Here’s a deeper look into the reasoning:
- Wordplay on the “middle”:
In a typical hamburger, the patty is positioned in the center between the top and bottom buns. This central placement makes it a fitting answer to the clue that refers to the “middle” of the hamburger. - The burger’s structure:
A hamburger typically consists of three layers: the top bun, the patty (usually made of ground beef or another meat or vegetarian alternative), and the bottom bun. While the buns serve as the outer layers, the patty is the centerpiece—the core of the sandwich. - Clue interpretation:
Clues in crossword puzzles often rely on common culinary terminology. “Patty” is widely recognized as the term for the meat or main filling of a hamburger, making it a straightforward answer to the clue about the middle. - Etymology:
The word “patty” comes from the French term “pâté,” which historically referred to a type of pie or filling. Over time, it became associated specifically with the round, flat, and often ground form of meat used in hamburgers.
Thus, “patty” is the correct and logical answer to the crossword clue based on both its culinary role and its position within a hamburger.