Fritz

Fritz: The usual service name in the early part of the war for the Germans. Later "Jerry" largely replaced Fritz.

"A Fritz" was also a naval ame for a German submarine.

The name Fritz originated as a German nickname for Friedrich (Frederick) from which several other names are derived including: Fritzsche, Fritsch, Fritsche and Fritzsch. Kings Frederick II and Frederick III of Prussia were also known by the name. The British used a variety of epithets for the Germans during both world wars. While "Fritz" and may appear more genial in nature, especially being a shortened version of a common name, others were clearly more derogative: Hun, Boche and Kraut, none of which today are acceptable.

The German equivalent of Fritz for the British was Tommy. See also Tommy Atkins

References / notes

The above term is listed in our Compendium of the Great War.

This compendium forms the central hub of words, phrases, people, and places relative to the Great War period of 1914–1918. These also include battles, political events, ships, trench slang, British and American service terms and expressions in everyday use, nicknames, sobriquets, the titles of British and Commonwealth Regiments and their origins, and also warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary with the war, which is reflected in the language used, some of which may seem derogatory by today's standards. Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.

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