On The Fritz

Pronunciation: /ɒn ðə frɪts/

Definitions of on the fritz

noun a slang term used to describe something that is not functioning properly or is broken

Example Sentences

A1 My computer is on the fritz.

A2 The old TV in the living room is on the fritz.

B1 The printer at the office is on the fritz again.

B2 Our internet connection has been on the fritz for days.

C1 The heating system in the building is on the fritz, causing a lot of complaints from tenants.

C2 The entire network infrastructure of the company is on the fritz, leading to major disruptions in operations.

Examples of on the fritz in a Sentence

formal The computer system at the office is on the fritz and needs to be repaired.

informal My phone has been acting on the fritz lately, I think I need to get it checked out.

slang My car is on the fritz again, I swear it's always breaking down.

figurative His relationship with his girlfriend is on the fritz, they've been arguing a lot lately.

Grammatical Forms of on the fritz

• past tense: was on the fritz
• plural: are on the fritz
• comparative: more on the fritz
• superlative: most on the fritz
• present tense: is on the fritz
• future tense: will be on the fritz
• perfect tense: has been on the fritz
• continuous tense: is being on the fritz
• singular: is on the fritz
• positive degree: on the fritz
• infinitive: to be on the fritz
• gerund: being on the fritz
• participle: having been on the fritz

Origin and Evolution of on the fritz

First Known Use: 1910 year

Language of Origin: German

Story behind the word: The origin of the phrase 'on the fritz' is believed to come from German immigrants in the United States, where 'fritz' was a common nickname for Friedrich, a popular German name. It is thought that the phrase originated in the early 20th century.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe something that is broken or not working properly, the phrase 'on the fritz' has evolved to also mean something that is malfunctioning or not functioning as expected.