fritz

fritz

The television is on the fritz again.

Definition
  1. Noun (informal, chiefly US):
    • A state of malfunction or disrepair: "fritz" is used almost exclusively in the phrase "on the fritz" to describe a machine, device, or system that is broken, not working properly, or in need of repair.
    • A German person (dated slang, offensive): "Fritz" was formerly used as a derogatory or stereotypical nickname for a German soldier or person, especially during World War I and World War II.
Usage Examples
  • Noun (malfunction):
    • My computer is on the fritz again. (My computer is malfunctioning and needs repair.)
    • The old refrigerator went on the fritz last night. (The refrigerator stopped working properly.)
  • Noun (slang for German):
    • The soldiers referred to the enemy as "Fritz" during the war. (An outdated, informal term for German soldiers.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to go on the fritz": to begin malfunctioning or breaking down.
    • The television went on the fritz during the storm. (The television started to malfunction.)
  • "to be on the fritz": to be in a state of disrepair.
    • Our internet connection has been on the fritz all morning. (The internet connection is not working properly.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Fritzed (adj, informal): broken or malfunctioning.
    • The coffee maker is completely fritzed. (The coffee maker is broken.)
  • Fritzy (adj, informal): prone to malfunction or acting oddly.
    • This old car is getting a bit fritzy. (The car is becoming unreliable.)
Synonyms
  • Broken: not working or functioning.
  • Malfunctioning: operating incorrectly or failing to work.
  • Out of order: not in working condition.
  • Kaput (informal): no longer working; broken.
Related Idioms
  • On the blink (informal): malfunctioning or broken (similar meaning to "on the fritz").
    • The printer is on the blink again. (The printer is not working.)
  • On the fritz (the only common idiom): used to describe a device or system that is broken.
    • The washing machine is on the fritz, so we need a repairman. (The washing machine is malfunctioning.)

Note: The use of "fritz" to mean "a German person" is now considered offensive and archaic. The modern and almost exclusive use of the word is in the phrase "on the fritz" to indicate a mechanical or electronic failure.