funny bone

See also: funnybone

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium. Particularly: “often said to be a pun on humorous/humerus, but other sources deny this”)

Pronunciation

Noun

funny bone (plural funny bones)

  1. (idiomatic) The ulnar nerve in the elbow, which, when hit, causes a tingling sensation. [from the 19th c.]
    Ouch, I just hit my funny bone.
  2. (mnemonic) Nickname for the humerus, so named because of its being homophonic with "humorous".
  3. (figuratively) One's sense of humor.
    His wisecracks always tickle my funny bone.
    • 2013 October 6, Matt McKenna, “Poltergasm” (4:21 from the start), in American Dad!‎[1], season 10, episode 2, spoken by Announcer:
      ANNOUNCER (on TV): “If you're a Parrothead, try Jimmy Buffet's Key West Saloon, located downstairs in the lobby. From World-renown chef Gordon Fukayami come Roppongi, a bistro house with a South Asian flair. And if you're looking to get your funny bone tickled, don't miss Rita Rudner's hilarious live stand-up show.”

Derived terms

Translations

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