ENGLISH
REFERENCE

I'm not being funny

idiom
Meaning

Used as a softening preface to a statement that might be taken as offensive or malicious.


Examples
SIMPLE

I'm not being funny, but your shirt is inside out.

CONTEXTUAL

I'm not being funny, but I think we need to be more honest about why this project is failing.

COMPLEX

I'm not being funny, but if we continue to ignore these structural flaws, the entire foundation of our argument will inevitably collapse.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    does the Pope wear a funny hat

    Obviously! Rhetorical question in response to a question where the answer is an emphatic yes.

  2. 02

    funny bone

    The ulnar nerve in the elbow, which, when hit, causes a tingling sensation.

  3. 03

    funny man

    Alternative form of funnyman.

  4. 04

    funny stuff

    Irregular, often illegal, activities.

  5. 05

    I'm not telling you

    Used to express that someone doesn't need to know something, typically because it is a secret (sometimes used as a way to attempt to hide someone's wrongdoing); may also be used when someone tries to ask for answers while doing an assignment or examination, or private or confidential information, including passwords.

  6. 06

    I'm not the one

    A warning to an individual who has greatly offended one's dignity or has acted or spoken insolently.

  7. 07

    I'm sure

    Used as an interjection to indicate denial or contradiction in response to an assertion or accusation.

  8. 08

    if I'm honest

    to be honest

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