funny bone

American  

noun

1. the part of the elbow where the ulnar nerve passes by the internal condyle of the humerus, which when struck causes a peculiar, tingling sensation in the arm and hand; crazy bone.

2. a sense of humor.

---

funny bone British  

noun

1. Also called (US): crazy bone.  the area near the elbow where the ulnar nerve is close to the surface of the skin: when it is struck, a sharp tingling sensation is experienced along the forearm and hand

---

funny bone Idioms  

1. A point on the elbow where the ulnar nerve runs close to the surface and produces a sharp tingling sensation when knocked against the bone. For example, Ouch! I just banged my funny bone . The expression is a pun on humerus (pronounced the same as humorous ), the Latin name for the long bone of the arm. [Early 1800s]

2. A sense of humor, as in That comedian really tickles my funny bone . This expression is derived from def. 1.

---

Etymology

Origin of funny bone

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

You’d be forgiven for not really associating the “White Collar” and “Fellow Travelers” actor with having a funny bone, though.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2025

Harper finished the game, said he was fine and had just stung his funny bone.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 2023

There has to be a heart to every character and there has to be a funny bone.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2023

Scientists have yet to definitively find a funny bone, but they are revealing nuances about the laugh impulse.

From Washington Post • Jan. 15, 2023

Her hand slipped and she banged her funny bone on the floor.

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi