What is the origin of the word boner? Trying to find the roots for its prevalent usage, especially in North America. According to a dictionary it means an erect penis.
Origin of the word “boner” - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
3 A "boner" is a term for male penis erection. To "give someone a boner" means to sexually excite someone, esp. a male.
@benjol: A "boner" in this kind of context would refer to a "faux pas." As in having one in public (even through one's pants). It would basically be at least as embarassing as "flatulence."
The earliest coverage of clam in the sense of "mistake or misplayed musical note" that I've been able to find is in Harold Wentwoth & Stuart Flexner, Dictionary of American Slang, first edition (1960): clam n. ... 5. a mistake ; a boner 1952: "Radio men speak no worse English than the general average of American professional men, and ... on the average there are not really so horribly many out ...
Dictionary discussions of 'boning up' J.E. Lighter, Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang (1994) reports that "bone up" emerged from an earlier student term "bone," which was in use by 1859: bone v. ... 4.a. Stu. to study (a subject) intently.—Also (esp. in 20th C.) constr. with up.—Also intrans. Hence boning, boner, n. [First three cited instances:] 1859 in O.E. Wood West ...