boner

Cringe-worthy slip-up

A boner is vulgar slang for an erection: He got a boner during the presentation.

In older American slang, a boner is a blunder or embarrassing mistake: I pulled a real boner on that one.

The embarrassment sense predates the erection sense but is now overshadowed by it—which makes using boner to mean mistake risky.

The word may connect both senses: an erection at the wrong moment is certainly embarrassing.

mistake

blunder

Foolish, costly mistake

gaffeClumsy social error
faux pasSocial misstep or indiscretion
flubClumsy error

slip-up · bungle · goof · error · misstep · blooper · howler · clanger · snafu · miscue

erection

hard-on

Penile engorgement

stiffyErect penis, colloquially
woodTree-derived building material
arousalStirring to heightened state

tumescence · engorgement · priapism · erectile · rigidity · excitement · stiffness · erect · aroused · tumescent

embarrassment

cringe

Shrink from discomfort

mortificationIntense shame or embarrassment
humiliationLoss of dignity
awkwardLacking grace or ease

red-faced · flustered · discomfort · self-conscious · awkwardness · shame · blush · uncomfortable · teenage · puberty

Categories

blundersblunder, blunders, blundered, mistakes, botch
food workersbutcher, bartender, server, caterer, chef
mistakesmistake, mistakes, slip, error, errors

Opposites

mistake/error (slang)

bonermasterstroke

Supremely skillful action

stroke of genius · accuracy · triumph · success · coup

erectile state (vulgar slang)

Soft, lacking firmness

limp · flaccidity · limpness · soft · softy

Phrases

broken boneCracked skeletal element
funny boneUlnar nerve area
to the boneTo the deepest extent
bone dryTotally devoid of moisture
dry as a boneCompletely without moisture
bone tiredExtremely fatigued state

Family

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG-13