sleep funny

[tree123]

I happened to browse an article in Chinese which says 'sleep funny' refers to sleep uncomfortably, and get a stiff neck. I searched the usage from the Internet. I don't find such an expression in any English dictionary.

Does 'sleep funny' really mean get a stiff neck?

 

[tedmc]

Yes, apparently it is [STRIKE]an[/STRIKE] American slang which means the experience of muscle discomfort from sleeping in an awkward position.

 

[Rover_KE]

You're right about the meaning, Ted, but it's informal rather than slang, and it's not limited to American English.

 

[Tdol]

You can also sleep in a funny position.

 

[emsr2d2]

I put "sleep funny" into Ngram and was surprised to get no results. However, I changed it to "slept funny" and got this result. I think that's probably because it's usually used in the simple past as an answer to an enquiry.

Ted: Are you OK? I noticed that you kept rubbing your back this morning.
Helen: I'm OK. I just slept funny.