An oxymoron (plural oxymora) is a figure of speech that combines incongruous or contradictory words. If you have any you’d like to share, please email them to me. Don’t forget to tell me your first name or screen name and age. Be sure to explain why you consider it an oxymoron.
Here are some examples:
Jumbo shrimp as in, When I order a shrimp cocktail, I expect jumbo shrimp.
Squared circle as in, The pro wrestler stepped into the squared circle (i.e., the ring) and did a standing back flip to the amazement of the crowd.
Deafening silence as in, A deafening silence filled the air after everyone realized just how dangerous the motorcycle stunt was going to be.
Freezer burn as in, Freezer-burned foods taste disgusting.
Genuine imitation as in, That coat is made of genuine imitation leather.
Here are some others:
Wise fool
Rolling stop
Peacekeeper missile
Working vacation
Organized mess
Mild sensation
Constant change
Cruel kindness
Good grief
Bittersweet
Icy hot
Civil war |