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

People should monitor for one to three weeks after potential exposure for symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose, rash or red eyes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2026

Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose or red eyes, as well as a rash.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

Fever, aching limbs and a runny nose -- as winter returns, so too does the flu.

From Science Daily • Dec. 4, 2025

"I definitely suffered with it after the first week, like sore throat, runny nose, those typical symptoms, and it does linger for quite a while."

From BBC • Oct. 4, 2025

Layla checked the time on the phone Dad bought her the other day—Ivy still didn’t have one—and then grabbed a tissue to wipe Aaron’s runny nose.

From "Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World" by Ashley Herring Blake