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.

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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

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of funny bone

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

"You can just take the mick out of that and people get it from just one line. It sometimes tickles that. You know, like that funny bone."

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026

Still, Gadd’s funny bone might also find an outlet in other people’s narratives.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Bryce Harper gave the Phillies a brief scare when he hurt his funny bone in a collision at first base in Game 4.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 14, 2023

This story is much more likely to break your heart than your funny bone.

From Washington Post • Nov. 15, 2022

There had never been and would never be anything funny about a funny bone.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova