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Synonyms

funny business

American  

noun

Informal.
  1. improper or unethical conduct, as deception or trickery.

    He won't stand for any funny business here.


funny business Idioms  
  1. Deceit, treachery, unethical conduct. For example, We suspect their outfit has been up to some funny business. [Colloquial; c. 1880]


Etymology

Origin of funny business

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Hmm, any other funny business out there worth looking into …?

From Slate Sep. 20, 2025

Wendy Liebman is a veteran of the funny business.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 26, 2024

If Grubauer comes back from injury the way he did last time and no funny business happens at the trade deadline, the role of top dog could get passed right back.

From Seattle Times Dec. 22, 2023

But let's not have any more funny business.

From Salon Jun. 14, 2023

He didn’t follow them around the aisles like some storekeepers do, but he always let them know there wasn’t going to be any funny business here.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

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