a figure of speech
By mammots
@mammots (3209)
Philippines
April 19, 2013 6:04pm CST
according to the Random House Websters School And Office Dictionary an OXYMORON is a figure of speech that uses seeming contradiction like for example "free gift".
What i like about an oxymoron is the name itself. to someone who is not familiar with it it could convey a negative meaning.
Here are some examples of oxymoron i got from OXYMORONLIST the Biggest Little List of Oxymorons: designer beer, commercial art, clean dirt, brave wimp, balding hair, almost pregnant, accurate rumors, awfully nice, authentic reproduction,constant change, commercial art, dry humor, disposable income,corporate planning, country music, enormously small grotesque beauty,wise foll, white lie ...etc.
What do you like about an oxymoron 
2 responses
@AbigailAddy (5)
• United States
21 Apr 13
I like oxymoron. I think they are a fun play on words and use them often in my speech. Even just the word 'oxymoron' is from the Greek meaning Sharp-dull. Though I do have to disagree on some of your examples. I see in no way how 'country music' is a oxymoron. Seeing that on your list just gave me a pang of depression.
@mammots (3209)
• Philippines
21 Apr 13
hello Abigail... welcome to mylot!
i have to confess that the first time i saw the OXYMORONLIST the Biggest Little List of Oxymorons i was impressed at the number of words but like you i also disagreed at some of the words included. i thought no way " evaporated milk" is an oxymoron. this only proves how complicated and exciting the English language is.
@gljcleeve (147)
•
21 Apr 13
Looking at your list of oxymorons, I think whoever started the list needs to reviw it as there are many on this small example that aren't oxymorons at all.
Out of the 19 examples you've given, I can see that at least 12 don't fit the title.
@mammots (3209)
• Philippines
21 Apr 13
hello gljcleeve!
i have to agree with you. most of these oxymoron i chose as examples here are so commonly used in everyday language that we wouldn't be aware that in fact were using an oxymoron. like for example "wholesome" i use this word very often and its an oxymoron!
the OXYMORONLIST the Biggest Little List of Oxymoron is a list that's full of surprises and if you like you can search for it using the mylot search engine!
