On The Fritz
WiktionaryText
Etymology
.
1902, originally meaning “in a bad way” or “in bad condition”, not malfunctioning of an appliance. Perhaps from German name , or by onomatopoeia.
Adverb
- Out of order, malfunctioning, broken. (Used of electrical or mechanical appliances.)
- I'd record it, but my VCR’s on the fritz again.