noun
Uncommon
Fritz
frihts
Fritz (noun) means Informal: a broken or malfunctioning state, almost always used in the phrase "on the fritz". Example: “The TV has been on the fritz all week.”
noun
1
Informal: a broken or malfunctioning state, almost always used in the phrase "on the fritz".
"The TV has been on the fritz all week."
verb
1
Informal: to stop working properly; to malfunction.
"My laptop fritzed out in the middle of the presentation."
How to use Fritz
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed informally for something that has stopped working properly.
When to use it
Casual, American English.
Common pairings
on the fritz
fritz out
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Word forms
- Plural
- Fritzes
- Third person singular
- fritzes
- Past tense
- fritzed
Fill the gap
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The TV has been on the _____ all week.
Etymology
Origin uncertain, though it may be linked to "Fritz", a nickname once used for German soldiers; the exact connection to the "malfunction" sense is debated.
Rhymes for Fritz
See all rhymes for Fritz →Frequently asked questions
What does “Fritz” mean?
The word “Fritz” means informal: a broken or malfunctioning state, almost always used in the phrase "on the fritz". In plain terms, used informally for something that has stopped working properly.
How do you pronounce “Fritz”?
“Fritz” is pronounced frihts (/fɹɪts/ in IPA).
How do you use “Fritz” in a sentence?
Here is “Fritz” used in a sentence: “The TV has been on the fritz all week.”
What part of speech is “Fritz”?
Depending on how it is used, “Fritz” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “Fritz” come from?
The word “Fritz” comes from German. Origin uncertain, though it may be linked to "Fritz", a nickname once used for German soldiers; the exact connection to the "malfunction" sense is debated.
Is “Fritz” a common word?
“Fritz” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Fritz” have?
“Fritz” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: informal: a broken or malfunctioning state, almost always used in the phrase "on the fritz".
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