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 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.

• tickle someone's funny bone