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To improve your crossword skills, try focusing on common crossword tropes like anagrams, homophones, and puns. Build your vocabulary, pay attention to clue indicators (like 'might be', 'perhaps', 'oddly'), and practice regularly. Don't be afraid to use a dictionary or thesaurus when stuck.

funny bones crossword – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all possible solutions and detailed explanations for the crossword clue "funny bones crossword". Get quick help and insightful information to complete your puzzle with ease.

Solutions for "funny bones crossword" by Letter Count

5 Letters

HUMOR: This answer relates to the "funny" aspect of the clue, referring to the quality of being amusing or comical. It's a less direct but plausible interpretation if the clue is hinting at the feeling of something being funny rather than the anatomical term.

7 Letters

HUMERUS: This is the most common and direct answer to the clue. The humerus is the long bone in the upper arm, and the ulnar nerve, which passes behind its medial epicondyle at the elbow, is colloquially known as the "funny bone" because striking it causes a peculiar tingling or painful sensation.

More About "funny bones crossword"

The term "funny bone" is a classic example of a medical idiom that has made its way into everyday language and frequently appears in crosswords. While many might assume it refers to a specific bone that causes laughter, it actually describes a specific sensation. The ulnar nerve, which is one of the main nerves of the arm, runs very close to the surface at the elbow, precisely at the medial epicondyle of the humerus bone. This superficial location makes it vulnerable to impact.

When you hit your "funny bone," you're not actually hitting a bone directly, but rather compressing or irritating the ulnar nerve. This irritation sends a sharp, tingling, sometimes painful sensation down the arm to the fingers. The "funny" part of the name might come from the strange or peculiar feeling it causes, or perhaps a pun on the word "humerus" sounding like "humorous." Understanding this anatomical detail is key to unlocking this common crossword clue.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Context is King: Always consider the overall theme or style of the crossword puzzle. Is it a pun-heavy puzzle? A general knowledge one? This can help you determine if "funny bones" refers to anatomy or humor.
Letter Count is Your Friend: Pay close attention to the number of letters required. For "funny bones," if it's 7 letters, HUMERUS is likely. If it's shorter, you might need to think more conceptually like HUMOR.
Look for Wordplay: Many crossword clues use wordplay. "Funny bones" is itself a play on words (humerus/humorous). Always be on the lookout for anagrams, homophones, or other linguistic tricks.
Don't Be Afraid to Skip: If a clue stumps you, move on to others. Filling in surrounding words can often reveal letters that make the trickier clues much clearer.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'funny bone' mean in anatomy?

The 'funny bone' is a colloquial term for the ulnar nerve, which runs along the humerus bone in the upper arm. When this nerve is hit, it produces a tingling, painful sensation, leading to the phrase 'funny bone' due to the peculiar feeling it causes.

Why is the humerus sometimes called the 'funny bone'?

The humerus bone itself isn't the 'funny bone'; rather, it's the vulnerable ulnar nerve that passes through a groove at the elbow end of the humerus. When this nerve is compressed or hit, it causes a distinctive tingling or numb sensation, which can feel 'funny' or peculiar, hence the nickname. It's also a common play on words with 'humorous'.

Is 'funny bones' a common crossword clue?

Yes, 'funny bones' or similar clues related to it (e.g., 'bone that makes you laugh') are quite common in crosswords, often pointing to HUMERUS due to its well-known colloquial name and the wordplay potential.