oxymoron Practice: What makes the following an oxymoron? deafening silence awfully good clearly confused random order only choice act naturally Apply It: How might the addition of an oxymoron in your writing add to its drama?

Oxymoron Figure of speech Opposite words placed side by side in a phrase Phrase sounds false/contradictory/impossible at first, but has an underlying truth Example: jumbo shrimp – Sounds False: Both big and small? – Underlying Truth: Big for a shrimp

Oxymoron The word “oxymoron” fulfills own definition: – “oxy” = sharp, acute, insightfulness – “moron” = dimwitted, unintelligent person Both smart and dumb at the same time?! An oxymoron is both obviously false/contradictory and true/insightful

Purpose of Oxymoron Grab reader’s attention – Because they sound false (or contradictory) at first, readers often pause and think when they read an Oxymoron – Emphasizes the point being made Example: Frenemy (Friend + Enemy)

Other Examples Least Favorite Live Recording Liquid Gas Freezer Burn Act Natural