on the fritz

== English == === Etymology === Unknown. Attested from 1902, originally meaning “in a bad way” or “in bad condition”, malfunctioning of an appliance. Perhaps from German name Fritz, or onomatopoeic (imitating the sound of electric sparks jumping). === Pronunciation === Rhymes: -ɪts === Prepositional phrase === on the fritz (US, especially Northern US, of an electrical or mechanical appliance) Out of order; malfunctioning; broken. Synonyms: fritzed, bung (Australian), on the blink (UK, Australia), spaz (offensive) ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === References ===