Here's the breakdown:
* Fritz: This was a common nickname for German soldiers, especially during World War I.
* Fritz's Mechanical Inclinations: During the war, German soldiers were often known for their expertise in repairing and maintaining their weapons and equipment.
* The Connection: It's believed that the phrase "on the fritz" developed from the idea that if something was "on the fritz," it was in a state of disrepair that would require the skills of a German soldier, or "Fritz," to fix it.
However, the exact origin and evolution of the phrase remain uncertain. Some suggest it arose from the name of a famous German inventor or technician, while others point to the fact that the phrase became popular around the 1920s, coinciding with the rise of German industrialization.
Regardless of its specific origins, "on the fritz" became a popular slang term in American English during the early 20th century and remains in use today.