AboutCarol Pozefsky Expertise Etymology: The origins of English words and phrases.
Anchor/Reporter NBC and CBS Networks. News Director 3 Regional Radio Stations.
Answer Hello, I hope you're having a fine weekend,
Just to make certain that my notion was correct, I checked with an on-line etymology site and found:
The thing you hit isn't actually a bone; your funny bone is actually your ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve runs through a groove in your ulna, which is one of two bones in your forearm. The nerve is really close to the surface of your skin when it runs through your elbow. If you hit it, you'll get a really intense pins-and-needles sensation.
Why is it Called a Funny Bone?
One theory is that the weird sensation can make you laugh and cry at the same time - similar to being tickled. Another is that the ulnar nerve runs through your humerus bone (the bone in the top part of your arm).And humerus sounds like humorous which, of course means funny.
The best to you always, CP
