On the fritz

The above iage looks like a computer that's broken. The phrase, 'on the fritz' refers to something (often mechanical) that is broken or not working correctly.


On the Fritz


Definition
“Malfunctioning or inoperable; -- of machinery and devices.”
(1)


Most Widely Used Definition
“Malfunctioning or inoperable; -- of machinery and devices.”
(1)


“Translated” Definition
Something (normally mechanical) that is broken or not working correctly.


Part of Speech
Adjective


Forms of word
Present: [it is/ it is going] on the fritz
Past: [it was/ it went] on the fritz
Future: [it is going to go] on the fritz


Example Sentences

Without warning, the old, clunky computer went on the fritz. The screen flashed red and green and the keyboard emitted a long, high-pitched whistle. There was little doubt in Kate’s mind that the psychotic piece of machinery was broken beyond repair.

George slumped into the chair next to me, looking like he had just been attacked by a blow torch. “The toaster is on the fritz again”, he growled. “This is the third time that it’s caught on fire this month.” It was obvious that he was discouraged that his toaster, named Fred, was still broken. I didn’t have the heart to inform him that Fred had recently taken to rocketing burnt toast half-way across the room whenever anyone attempted to use it.


Pronunciation
On [on] or [awn]
The [th uh]
Fritz [fritz]
(3)


When to use this word
A good time to use this word would be when:
- Hanging out with friends (talking about something that is broken or malfunctioning).
- In a pop, rap, alternative, or rock song
- Doing home repairs
- Sitting in front of a broken home appliance
NOTE: this may not be the best phrase to use in a professional enviroment


Synonyms

Broken: The word broken is similar to the phrase, ‘on the fritz’ but different because it sounds more formal. Also, the word broken is more commonly used than the phrase, ‘on the fritz’.

Malfunctioning (1): The word malfunctioning is similar to the phrase, ‘on the fritz’ but different because the word, malfunctioning is more formal than the phrase, ‘on the fritz’. The word malfunctioning would probably be a great word to say to one’s boss. The phrase, ‘on the fritz’ would probably not be a great thing to say to one’s boss.

Tripped out: The phrase, ‘tripped out’ is similar to the phrase, ‘on the fritz’ but different because the phrase, ‘on the fritz’ is somewhat more formal than the phrase, ‘tripped out’.


Antonyms
Fully functioning: The phrase, ‘fully functioning’ is an opposite of the phrase, ‘on the fritz’ because if something is fully functioning, it’s not broken or malfunctioning.

Fix: The word fix is an opposite of the phrase, ‘on the fritz’ because if something is, ‘on the fritz’, that is generally considered a problem. The solution to this problem is to fix the item. A problem and its solution are opposite of each other.


Rating
I would give this word a rating of three stars out of five. It is a creative and colorful way to describe something that isn’t working correctly. It can be used in numerous situations. It is a nice word to use in an informal situation, simply because it is very informal. On the other hand, using this word in some situations (such as a job interview) could be disastrous. Also, it is easy to use this word too much, and portray oneself as someone who doesn’t have the widest vocabulary.

Bibliography
(1) http://onlinedictionary.datasegment.com/word/on+the+fritz
(2) http://onlineslangdictionary.com/definition+of/on+the+fritz
(3) http://dictionary.reference.com/
(4)openphoto

This video displays a dirt bike that appears to be having trouble starting, so clearly it is not working properly, meaning it is on the fritz.