- Not working correctly; malfunctioning, broken, or out of order.
- Typically used for machines, appliances, or electronic devices.
Explanation
Origin
The origin is uncertain and debated, emerging in American English in the early 20th century. Theories include:
- A possible connection to Fritz, a common German name used colloquially (sometimes derogatorily) to refer to Germans, perhaps during WWI, associating the name with unreliability or breakdown (though evidence is weak).
- Association with the character Fritz in the popular comic strip 'The Katzenjammer Kids' (started 1897), known for causing mischief and things going wrong.
- Simply an evocative sound, perhaps mimicking electrical sputtering or malfunction.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Busted
- Screwed up / Messed up
- Jacked up (US)
- Kaput
- Conked out
- On the blink (UK/Aus)
- Playing up (UK)
- Acting up
- Goosed (Aus slang)
Milder:
- Not working (properly)
- Malfunctioning
- Out of order
- Broken
- Defective
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal. Very common in everyday conversation about household items or office equipment.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The word fritz itself doesn't have another common meaning, so non-native speakers might simply not know the idiom if they haven't encountered it.
Examples
- My old laptop is on the fritz again; it keeps freezing.
- The office photocopier is on the fritz, so I can't make copies.
- I think the toaster is on the fritz – it burned my toast black!
Dialogue
Maya: Argh! The vending machine is on the fritz. It just ate my dollar.
Leo: Seriously? That thing is always broken. You should report it.
Maya: Yeah, I will. Now I still don't have my snack!
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: My Wi-Fi router seems to be on the fritz this morning. Praying it fixes itself before my video call! 🙏 #techproblems #workfromhome #internetdown
- Post: Anyone know a good repair shop? My trusty old coffee machine is finally on the fritz and I can't live without it! ☕😭 #coffee #help #repair
Response Patterns
- Oh no, again?
- That's annoying.
- Have you tried turning it off and on again? (Classic tech support joke/advice)
- Maybe it's time to get a new one.
- Bummer. / That sucks.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says something is on the fritz:
- Ask about the problem: What's wrong with it specifically?
- Offer help/suggestions: Have you checked the plug? / Want me to take a look?
- Ask about duration: How long has it been like that?
- Complain together: Urgh, that machine is always breaking down!
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes a state of malfunction.
Intonation
- Often said with annoyance, frustration, or resignation.
- Stress usually falls on fritz. on the FRITZ.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood, but perhaps used slightly more often by older generations (40+). Younger people might more often use broken, messed up, busted, or describe the specific issue.
Regional Variations
- Primarily North American English in origin and most frequent use, but widely understood elsewhere.
- On the blink or playing up are common informal alternatives in the UK and Australia/NZ.