boner

bon-er · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    [vulgar slang]An erection of the penis.

  2. 2.

    [informal, dated]A stupid mistake or blunder.

Forms

plural: boners

Related words

See also: blunder, bone, erection
Synonyms: blunder, erection, mistake

Etymology

From bone + -er. The slang sense referring to an erection derives from the idea of the penis becoming rigid like a bone. The sense of "mistake" (more common in older American English) may derive from "bonehead" (stupid person).