Last year, I wrote about Onomatopoeia. Such a rhythmic sound. I always imagine it as a Julie Andrew's song. But, in the interest of covering new territory, this year I decided to go with Oxymoron.
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Oxymoron
(Merriam-Webster)
A combination of contradictory or incongruous words (as cruel kindness); broadly : something (as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements.
I love a good oxymoron! Earlier this month, I discussed Juxtaposition for J. Juxtaposition in a lot of ways is an extended oxymoron, since it lasts longer than a brief phrase. But there's something deceptively honest about a good contradictory phrase.
I'm from the South, and there are many examples of oxymoron that we Southern gals use on a daily basis. My favorites:
- awfully good
- a fine mess
- dead right
- clearly misunderstood
- pretty ugly
- seriously funny
- holy hell
- nothing much
- Civil War
- drawing a blank
- mutual differences
- necessary evil
Please visit other O posts in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge participant list.
6 comments:
lol I really shouldn't read your blog first thing in the morning. My brain isn't functioning yet.
I love oxymorons.
Friendly fire?
Here in upstate New York, people use "wicked" as in "this is wicked good!" (the only other place I've heard wicked used that way is in Boston.) Not really an oxymoron because you can also say "this is wicked terrible!" but I don't know what the proper term for using "wicked" like that is.
True Lies is my favorite. And you gotta love Jamie Lee in that movie :) WRITE ON!
Thank you all for stopping by!
Stina -- I know what you mean. I'll read a blog I love, but then I can't think of a great example.
Beth -- Great one!
Alana -- Wicked is one I remember from living in Clifton Park, NY.
Jo -- Perfect example.
Love your oxymorons and Beth and Jo's, too.
Of course, my mind's blanking now...all I can think of is jumbo shrimp.
Barbara
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