funny business

The term "funny business" originated in the 1830s and typically describes dishonest or questionable behavior, with a secondary slang meaning related to sexual activity.

Definition

B2General

(informal)Suspicious or deceitful behavior, often implying dishonesty or illegal activity.

Example

  • The manager suspected some funny business when the accounts didn't add up.

C1Slang

(informal, slang)Sexual activity or misconduct, often in a subtle or secretive manner.

Example

  • The parents warned their teenagers to avoid any funny business at the party.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "funny business":

the businessfunny moneyfunny papermonkey businessfunny ha-hain businessbad businesswomen's businessdo businessdirty businessin the business of