Definition

Noun: 1. The point on the elbow where the ulnar nerve is close to the skin: This is the anatomical definition. It refers to a specific spot on the inside of the elbow where a nerve is very near the surface and not well protected by muscle or fat. 2. The sharp, tingling sensation felt when this spot is hit: By extension, "funny bone" also refers to the distinct, often painful, tingling or electric shock-like feeling that occurs when this nerve is struck.

Usage and Examples

• Referring to the body part:
  • "I accidentally hit my funny bone on the edge of the table."
  • "The tingling sensation comes from the ulnar nerve at your funny bone."
• Referring to the sensation:
  • "Ouch! I just got a funny bone." (This is a colloquial shorthand for experiencing the sensation.)

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The term is an example of folk etymology or wordplay. The "funny" refers to the odd, tingling sensation, not to humor. The "bone" involved is the humerus (the upper arm bone), which creates a pun on "humorous" (meaning funny).
• The phrase "not so funny" is often used humorously when someone hits their funny bone, as the sensation is more painful than amusing.
  • "He hit his funny bone and yelled, 'That's not so funny!'"

Variants and Related Words

• Medical term: The anatomical area is formally called the ulnar groove or cubital tunnel. The sensation is due to the ulnar nerve.
• Technical description: A nerve compression point or a superficial nerve point.

Synonyms

• (For the sensation): A tingle, a jolt, a shock, a pins-and-needles sensation.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• To hit/strike/knock your funny bone: The standard phrase for the action that causes the sensation.
  • "Be careful not to hit your funny bone on the doorframe."
• To have a funny bone: This is a pun meaning to have a sense of humor.
  • "She really has a funny bone; her jokes are hilarious." (Note: This idiom uses "funny bone" metaphorically and is separate from the primary physical definition.)

Noun

1. a point on the elbow where the ulnar nerve passes near the surface; a sharp tingling sensation results when the nerve is knocked against the bone
   • the funny bone is not humerus