adj. 1. Non-working due to hardware failure; burnt out.
Especially used of hardware brought down by a 'power glitch' (see
glitch), drop-outs, a short, or some other electrical
event. (Sometimes this literally happens to electronic circuits!
In particular, resistors can burn out and transformers can melt
down, emitting noxious smoke. However, this term is also used
metaphorically.)
Compare frotzed.
2. Of people, exhausted.
Said particularly of those who continue to work in such a state.
Often used as an explanation or excuse.
"Yeah, I know that fix destroyed the file system, but I was fried when I put it in."
Esp. common in conjunction with 'brain':
"My brain is fried today, I'm very short on sleep."