On the fritz

Meaning

Not working properly.

Usage

Used for malfunctioning machines or devices.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Early 20th-century American slang possibly derived from German names.

Common in mid-century television and radio scripts.