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• fritz
  fritz

  verb phrase

  to become inoperable.
• Fritz
  Fritz

  noun

  a German, especially a German soldier.

fritz

¹ American  

[frits] / frɪts /

verb phrase

1. fritz out to become inoperable.

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idioms

1. on the fritz, not in working order.

   Our TV went on the fritz last night.

Fritz ² American  

[frits] / frɪts /

noun

1. Older Slang: Sometimes Offensive. a German, especially a German soldier.

2. a male given name.

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fritz More Idioms  

1. see on the blink (fritz).

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Sensitive Note

Fritz was a nickname used by Allied soldiers for a German soldier during World War I and II.

Etymology

Origin of fritz¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05; of obscure origin

Origin of Fritz²

1910–15; < German; common nickname for Friedrich

Example Sentences

Don’t miss, for instance, a food replicator on the fritz, where holographic tea will consistently fail to properly materialize.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2025

But like every machine I've ever owned, it goes on the fritz.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2023

If your cell phone, for instance, landed on Venus, the thermal energy would set off a flurry of electrons and send your device on the fritz.

From Scientific American • Oct. 23, 2023

My AC was on the fritz recently and just the thought of having to pay for a new one caused terrible anxiety, even though I know that’s what savings is for!

From Slate • Sep. 22, 2023

His shirtsleeves are rolled up, which doesn’t solve much: the air-conditioning is on the fritz and the air on the plane is overheated.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood