Phrase guide

Fonzie touch

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

Hitting an electrical appliance to make it work. Any similar rough treatment that proves successful.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • 2005, Rocket Jones (archive). http://rocketjones.mu.nu/archives/2005_06.php I have to do that to get the door of my pickup truck open sometimes. - Rookie astronaut Donald Pettit after he used his Fonzie touch to open a hatch on the International Space Station
  • 2006, http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/08/24/the_mini_window_motor_issue/ I had the driver’s side window motor replaced about three weeks ago on my ‘03 MC. Last weekend, the passenger side started acting up, but I guess I don’t have the “Fonzie” touch — beating on the door panel didn’t do anything but hurt my hand.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli in the 1974–1984 TV series Happy Days.