funny bone

USAGE SUMMARY

"funny bone" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is a colloquialism used to describe the sensitiveness of the inner elbow that can cause sudden pain when struck, usually when someone finds something humorous or making a joke. For example, "I laughed so hard I nearly hit my funny bone!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The ulnar nerve, that's the funny bone.

Stanford University

HARTFORD The Hartford Funny Bone Vince Morris.

The New York Times

HARTFORD The Hartford Funny Bone Bobcat Goldthwait.

The New York Times

The Hartford Funny Bone, 194 Buckland Hills Drive.

The New York Times

TAYLOR You have the comedy thing, too — the funny bone.

The New York Times

It hit my funny bone and it was tingling".

The New York Times

As Empson tells it, "I've always had a funny bone.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

You can watch the lot here, if your stomach and funny bone is up to it.

Vice

HARTFORD The Hartford Funny Bone J. Medicine Hat.

The New York Times

Not too far from Shadowbox is the Columbus Funny Bone comedy club.

TechCrunch

Your funny bone is actually an ulnar nerve.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to someone's sense of humor, use "funny bone" to indicate an inherent comedic disposition. For instance, "She has a great funny bone, always making people laugh."

Common error

Avoid using "funny bone" when you strictly mean the ulnar nerve if the context implies humor. Clarify by specifying "hitting my funny bone" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "funny bone" functions primarily as a noun, referring either to the ulnar nerve at the elbow or, more commonly, to a person's sense of humor. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "funny bone" is widely recognized and used in contemporary English, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is as a noun, referring either to the ulnar nerve or, more figuratively, to a sense of humor. While grammatically correct, its formality varies, with use in news and informal contexts being more common than in academic or business settings. The multiple examples in Ludwig's database illustrate its versatile application. To avoid ambiguity, clarify the intended meaning when using the phrase, especially if referring to the ulnar nerve rather than someone's comedic nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crazy bone

Synonymous term for the ulnar nerve, maintaining the slightly humorous tone of "funny bone".

tickle the funny bone

Emphasizes the action of amusing someone, rather than the inherent sense of humor or the nerve itself.

sense of humor

Refers more broadly to the ability to perceive and enjoy humor, lacking the specific physical connotation of "funny bone".

ulnar nerve

Specifically refers to the nerve at the elbow, losing the humorous connotation of "funny bone".

comic sensibility

Indicates an innate understanding and appreciation for comedy, moving away from the physical sensation.

humorous streak

Highlights a tendency towards humor, rather than a developed sense or a physical point.

a source of amusement

Highlights the origin of humor, moving away from personal traits or physical sensations.

have a good laugh

Focuses on the act of laughing rather than the source of amusement or the physical sensation.

laughing matter

Refers to something considered humorous, unlike the physical or personal connotation of "funny bone".

wit

Highlights cleverness or intelligence, missing the physical or broader sense of humor conveyed by "funny bone".

FAQs

What does it mean to "tickle someone's funny bone"?

To "tickle someone's funny bone" means to amuse or entertain them, making them laugh or find something humorous. It implies successfully appealing to their sense of humor.

Is "funny bone" an actual bone in the human body?

No, the "funny bone" is not an actual bone. It refers to the ulnar nerve in the elbow. The tingling sensation experienced when hitting it leads to the term "funny bone".

What's a more formal way to say someone has a "funny bone"?

A more formal way to describe someone with a "funny bone" is to say they have a good "sense of humor" or a comedic sensibility.

How can I improve my "funny bone"?

While you can't literally improve a nerve, you can develop your "sense of humor" by exposing yourself to various forms of comedy, understanding different comedic styles, and practicing your own comedic timing.