on the fritz
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
Unknown.
1902, originally meaning “in a bad way” or “in bad condition”, malfunctioning of an appliance. Perhaps from German name Fritz, or by onomatopoeia.[1][2]
[edit] Adverb
on the fritz
- Out of order, malfunctioning, broken. (Used of electrical or mechanical appliances.)
- I'd record it, but my VCR’s on the fritz again.
[edit] Usage notes
Also used as “to go on the fritz”.
[edit] Synonyms
- (UK, Australian) on the blink
- (offensive) spaz
[edit] Derived terms
- fritz up (obsolete), 1910s
[edit] References
- ^ World Wide Words: On The Fritz, by Michael Quinion
- ^ The Mavens’ Word of the Day: fritz, on the, Random House
