funny bone

(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”)

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈfʌn.i boʊn/

  • Audio (Mid-Atlantic US):

    (file)

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈfʌn.i bəʊn/

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

funny bone (plural funny bones)

1. (idiomatic) The ulnar nerve in the elbow, which, when hit, causes a tingly sensation. [from the 19th c.]

   Ouch, I just hit my funny bone.

2. (figuratively) One's sense of humor.

   His wisecracks always tickle my funny bone.

• tickle someone's funny bone