Brucker Bears 4-5: oxymoron

Thursday, May 16, 2013

oxymoron

(n) – An oxymoron is an expression that contradicts itself because it is a deliberate combination of two words that seem to mean the opposite of each other, such as 'cruel kindness.'

Synonyms: contradiction
Etymology: 1650s Greek, from oxys meaning "sharp," which is from the word akis meaning "sharp point," + moros meaning "stupid, foolish, or dull"
Example: Some well-known oxymorons are: a civil war, a little big, alone together, awfully nice, baggy tights, bittersweet, black light, calm wind, classic rock

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