funny business

noun

: dishonest or improper activity
warned the students against any funny business during the test

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of funny business was in 1882

Rhymes for funny business

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Browse Nearby Words

funny book
funny business
funny car
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Cite this Entry

“Funny business.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/funny%20business. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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