Where does the expression "it went on the fritz" come from? Is it English or American?
W wbadenhop New member Joined Sep 29, 2011 Member Type Student or Learner Native Language Dutch Home Country Netherlands Current Location Netherlands Feb 23, 2012 #1 Where does the expression "it went on the fritz" come from? Is it English or American?
S susiedq Member Joined Sep 27, 2010 Member Type Interested in Language Native Language English Home Country United States Current Location United States Feb 23, 2012 #2 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: Feb 23, 2012
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.
konungursvia VIP Member Joined Mar 20, 2009 Member Type Academic Native Language English Home Country Canada Current Location Canada Feb 24, 2012 #3 I thought it was WWII AmE based on incorrect German, comparable to FLAK, Kraut, Geesha, etc.
S susiedq Member Joined Sep 27, 2010 Member Type Interested in Language Native Language English Home Country United States Current Location United States Feb 24, 2012 #4 The term was used as far back as 1902, so that time frame does not fit.