noun
Uncommon
boner
BOH-nuh
Boner (noun) means an embarrassing mistake or blunder. Example: “Forgetting the client's name was a real boner.”
noun
1
An embarrassing mistake or blunder.
"Forgetting the client's name was a real boner."
"SO! THEY LAUGH AT MY BONER, WILL THEY?? I'LL SHOW THEM! I'LL SHOW THEM HOW MANY BONERS THE JOKER CAN MAKE!"
— Bill Finger, The Joker's Comedy of Errors! (1951)
"He really pulled a boner that time!"
2
Vulgar slang for an erect penis.
"The joke made the whole room laugh nervously."
How to use boner
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither an awkward mistake, or crude slang for an erection — context makes clear which.
When to use it
The sexual sense is vulgar slang; the "blunder" sense is dated but not offensive.
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Word forms
- Plural
- boners
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Forgetting the client's name was a real _____.
Etymology
Formed from "bone" plus the agent suffix "-er."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for boner
See all rhymes for boner →Frequently asked questions
What does “boner” mean?
The word “boner” means an embarrassing mistake or blunder. In plain terms, either an awkward mistake, or crude slang for an erection — context makes clear which.
How do you pronounce “boner”?
“Boner” is pronounced BOH-nuh (/ˈboʊ.nɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “boner” in a sentence?
Here is “boner” used in a sentence: “Forgetting the client's name was a real boner.”
What is another word for “boner”?
Words with a similar meaning to “boner” include erection, hard-on and stiffy.
What part of speech is “boner”?
“Boner” is a noun.
Is “boner” a common word?
“Boner” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “boner” have?
“Boner” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an embarrassing mistake or blunder.
