OXYMORON

MOUHOUBI FAIZA

G: 02

Oxymoron Definitions

The dictionary definition:

A rhetorical figure of speech in which contradictory terms are paired, for example, alone together, current history or boneless ribs.

However, with an oxymoron the incongruous word pairing conveys a truth or a dramatic result.

The word oxymoron is derived from the Greek oxumōros, which means 'obviously foolish', a Latin equivalent would be: contradictio in terminis.

Incidentally, the related word sideroxylon specifically refers to a mismatch between the noun and its adjective, e.g. cold fire.

It is possible to sub-divide English oxymorons into three main categories:a) Pure puns such as gourmet pizza.b) Accidents, like an original copy.c) Paradoxes, my favorite example is 'serious joke'.

d) An alternative zany definition for an oxymoron: One who forgets to breathe

Examples

CRUEL EXAMPLES OF OXYMORON

Gourmet pizza, served by a fast waiterWork partyLoners clubPretty ugly

Silent women

Civil servant

FUNNY EXAMPLES OXYMORON:

Dry lake

Living dead

Numb sensation

Same difference

Stand down

Metal woods

Park drive

Vegetarian meatballs

OXYMORON PHRASES:

Click the start button, and shut downFirst strike defenceAlone in a crowdPersonalized form letterI'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous!Always remember you're unique...just like

everyone else!An oral contract isn't worth the paper its

written on

AMUSING OXYMORON

Freezer burn, caused by liquid gas, created an anxious patient

Open secret - clearly confusedFound missing Tight slacks We climbed down into a blocked drainSoft rock, as shown on educational

television