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Thread: it went fritz

  1. 23-Feb-2012, 22:26 #1
    wbadenhop
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    Default it went fritz

    Where does the expression

    "it went on the fritz"

    come from? Is it English or American?
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  2. 23-Feb-2012, 22:37 #2
    susiedq
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    Default Re: it went fritz

    When something goes "on the fritz," it means it isn't working.

    Let's watch TV.
    Sorry, it's on the fritz.

    The origin is unknown, but it is understood by most Americans.
    Last edited by susiedq; 23-Feb-2012 at 22:42.
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  3. 24-Feb-2012, 00:42 #3
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    Default Re: it went fritz

    I thought it was WWII AmE based on incorrect German, comparable to FLAK, Kraut, Geesha, etc.
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  4. 24-Feb-2012, 01:20 #4
    susiedq
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    Default Re: it went fritz

    The term was used as far back as 1902, so that time frame does not fit.
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