boner: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal to Slang
Quick answer
What does “boner” mean?
An erection of the penis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An erection of the penis
A stupid mistake or blunder
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, the 'mistake' sense is virtually unknown and rarely used. In US English, both senses exist but the sexual meaning is primary. Some older Americans may still recognize the error meaning.
Connotations
Strongly informal/vulgar for the sexual meaning in both varieties. The error meaning is dated and humorous in the US.
Frequency
The sexual meaning is significantly more frequent in both varieties, especially in spoken language and informal contexts. The error meaning is considered archaic or niche.
Grammar
How to Use “boner” in a Sentence
to have/get a bonerto give someone a bonerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boner” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not used as an adjective.
American English
- Not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Avoid. Highly inappropriate.
Academic
Avoid. Too informal/vulgar.
Everyday
Used among friends in informal settings for the sexual meaning. Requires caution due to vulgarity.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts; medical terminology would be 'penile erection'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boner”
- Using it in formal writing
- Assuming the 'mistake' meaning is current in British English
- Overestimating its acceptability in mixed company.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to an erection it is considered vulgar slang and inappropriate for formal or polite contexts. The 'mistake' meaning is merely informal.
No, this meaning is not recognised in modern British English. Using it would cause confusion, as listeners will assume the sexual meaning.
In neutral or medical contexts, use 'erection'. In informal contexts, euphemisms like 'got excited' or 'aroused' might be used, but there is no direct polite synonym with the same colloquial force.
It originated in early 20th century American slang, possibly from the phrase 'bonehead' mistake. It was once common but has been almost entirely supplanted by the sexual meaning in general usage.
An erection of the penis.
Boner is usually informal to slang in register.
Boner: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊnər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pull a boner (dated US = make a silly mistake)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'bone' + '-er' → something hard like bone (vulgar slang for erection), or something that 'bones' you (causes trouble as a mistake).
Conceptual Metaphor
ERECTION IS HARDENING (of bone); MISTAKE IS A PHYSICAL OBSTRUCTION (something that 'bones' you).
Practice
Quiz
Which meaning of 'boner' is virtually unknown in modern British English?