What does "fritz" mean?
A German person, usually male.
Fritz
/fɹɪts/ name, noun, verb, slang
name, noun, verb, slang ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A German person, usually male.
- Grammar: fritz is listed as name, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: break down, breakdown, disrupt, doughboy.
- Useful contrasts: foreigner, function normally, functioning.
- Usage evidence: Fritz admits he often plays truant.
How to use "fritz"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "fritz" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "fritz" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "fritz" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "fritz" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "fritz" is acting as name, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "break down" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "fritz", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A German person, usually male. UK, ethnic, offensive, slur
"Someone sent up a shout and word came that oil had begun to show on the water—that meant one less submarine afloat! Again the roar of guns—again the shout! Two Fritzes sunk. . . !"
- 2 The state of being defective. Northern-US, informal, uncountable
- 3 A type of processed meat sausage; devon Australia, South, uncountable
"Generally, cooked deli products include Devon, Strasbourg sausage, Polish sausage, fritz, cabanossi or cabana, mortadella, and well-cooked roast beef (brown/grey in colour)."
Verb
- 1 To go wrong or become defective. intransitive
"One clip, of Talking Heads playing “Born Under Punches” in Rome in 1980, is shot largely at groin level, amid sound equipment that is being manipulated for feedback squeals and other effects; it’s like being close to the crooked spine and fritzed nervous system of a body that’s simultaneously pushing its sex appeal."
Proper Noun
- 1 A name used to represent the German people (particularly the German armed forces) as a group. UK, offensive
"But if Fritz is stationed in that patch of woodland, we've got no chance!"
- 2 A diminutive of the male given name Friedrich.
"Uncle Fritz “talked eyes” when he was the most deeply aggrieved; and little Fritz found it most unpleasant to have an American relative addicted to the same bad habit. She came into the room just then and there, and, seeing the two Fritzes in such confidential discussion, would have speedily withdrawn, had not the gentleman risen and begged her to remain."
- 3 A surname from German.
"The highly anticipated all-American matchup between Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe — marking the first US Open semifinals between two US men in nearly 20 years — will cost you quite a few Honey Deuces to attend."
Antonyms
Example
"Fritz admits he often plays truant."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "fritz"?
Common synonyms include: break down, breakdown, disrupt, doughboy, fail, german.
How do you use "fritz" in a sentence?
Fritz admits he often plays truant.
How do you pronounce "fritz"?
Pronounced /fɹɪts/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Borrowed from German Fritz, pet form of Friedrich (“Frederick”).
Etymology 2
Unknown. See on the fritz, which appeared in 1902. Possibly from German name Fritz, or onomatopoeia.