Oxymoron
An oxymoron is a literary device that combines two contradictory words into a short phrase, often creating a striking or humorous effect. This juxtaposition can seem nonsensical at first but frequently uncovers a clever twist or insight. Common examples of oxymorons include phrases like "sound of silence" and "sweet sorrow," as well as everyday expressions such as "old news" and "freezer burn." While oxymorons are brief, they differ from paradoxes, which can be longer statements that also express contradictions.
The term "oxymoron" itself is derived from Greek, meaning "sharply dull." This device is particularly popular among poets and writers, as it effectively captures attention and emphasizes meaning through contrast. Oxymorons serve various purposes, such as producing dramatic effects, adding humor, or highlighting contrasting ideas, and they are commonly found in prose, poetry, speeches, and even advertising. They engage the audience by provoking thought and amusement, making them a valuable tool for creative expression.
On this Page
Oxymoron
An oxymoron is a literary term for a short phrase that uses two contradictory words, often for the purpose of adding interest, humor, or drama to a statement. The words used have opposite meanings and may, at first, create a phrase that seems nonsensical but often reveals a clever twist or observation. Other oxymorons are simply descriptive of a reality that seems contradictory but is accurate. Some of these have come into common use, such as “old news” and “freezer burn.” Other examples of oxymorons include “sound of silence” and “sweet sorrow.” Oxymorons are similar to but different from paradoxes; oxymorons are short phrases, while paradoxes are longer. Paradoxes may be complete sentences or even paragraphs.
The word oxymoron is derived from two ancient Greek words: oxus, which means “sharp,” and moros, which means “foolish” or “dull.” Oxymoron therefore means “sharply dull,” which is an oxymoron. It is unclear when they first came into use. Oxymorons are especially popular with poets because they convey a great deal in a few words. They commonly appeared in sonnets beginning in the fourteenth century. This popularity has continued, and oxymorons remain popular with contemporary writers.
Overview
The oxymoron is a widely used rhetorical literary device common in speech and in a variety of forms of writing. These include prose, poems, plays, speeches, slogans, television, movies, and songs. Oxymorons serve different purposes, depending on the intent of the writer. Some occur almost unconsciously. For example, the sentence “It was a pretty awful accident” uses pretty and awful, which convey very different concepts based on their usual definitions, but pretty is often used informally to convey something of moderate intensity.
Writers usually create oxymorons for one of three reasons: for dramatic effect, for amusement or entertainment, or to highlight an idea through contrast. In the hands of a creative wordsmith, the oxymoron can be a very effective tool.
The sudden, unexpected contrast that results from encountering an oxymoron can make the phrase especially memorable. The dissonance caused by hearing the unaccustomed combination causes the person to stop and think for a moment about what they have read or heard. This adds drama to the work that includes the oxymoron, making the technique a good way to capture the reader’s or listener’s attention. This is the reason oxymorons are often used in advertising and political slogans.
Playing with contrasting words can be a successful way to delight a reader. Experts say that the human brain is hardwired to respond favorably to things that are novel or unexpected. The twist of contrasting two opposite thoughts in an oxymoron amuses the mind, and a clever writer can use this to their advantage. Many jokes and comedy routines are based, in part, on oxymorons.
Oxymorons also allow writers to emphasize the meaning of the words they have used. For example, “It was silent” has the same meaning as “There was a deafening silence,” but the second phrase—an oxymoron—has greater clarity, strength, and power. Learning to use oxymorons can help add interest and depth to a writer’s work.
Bibliography
Craiker, Krystal N. “50 Examples of Oxymorons.” ProWriting Aid, prowritingaid.com/oxymoron-examples. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
Cytowic, Richard E. “The Funny and Fascinating Paradoxes of Oxymorons.” Psychology Today, 28 Apr. 2023, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-fallible-mind/202304/the-funny-and-fascinating-paradoxes-of-oxymorons. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
Ellis, Matt. “What Is an Oxymoron? Definition and Examples.” Grammarly, 2 June 2022, www.grammarly.com/blog/oxymoron/. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
Reed, Bridget. “What Is an Oxymoron and Should You Avoid Them?” Poised, 6 June 2022, www.poised.com/blog/what-is-an-oxymoron. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
“What is an Oxymoron? Definition & Examples.” Oregon State University, liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/what-oxymoron. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
“What Is an Oxymoron? 12 Oxymoron Examples.” MasterClass, 21 Sept. 2022, www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-an-oxymoron-learn-about-the-differences-between-oxymoron-and-paradox-with-examples. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
“When & How to Write an Oxymoron.” Literary Terms, literaryterms.net/when-and-how-to-write-an-oxymoron/. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.