Oxymoron facts for kids
An oxymoron is a special kind of figure of speech. It's made up of two or more words that seem to be opposites, or actually are opposites, but are used together. It's like putting two ideas that don't usually go together right next to each other.
For example, think about "wise fool" or "warm freezer." In "wise fool," 'wise' means smart, and 'fool' means not smart. They seem opposite! But sometimes, a "wise fool" can describe someone who is smart in some ways but acts silly in others. A "warm freezer" might sound strange, but it could be true if the freezer was turned off or left open.
The word "oxymoron" itself is an oxymoron! The first part, 'oxy', comes from an ancient Greek word meaning 'sharp'. The second part, 'moron', comes from a Greek word meaning 'dull' or 'foolish'. So, "sharp dull" is an oxymoron!
Contents
What Makes an Oxymoron?
An oxymoron works by combining words that usually don't fit together. This can make you think about the words in a new way.
Words That Seem Opposite
Sometimes, the words in an oxymoron aren't truly impossible together, but they create a surprising idea.
- Original copy: An original is usually unique, but a copy is a duplicate. However, an "original copy" could be the very first copy made of something.
- Jumbo shrimp: 'Jumbo' means very big, and 'shrimp' are usually small. But "jumbo shrimp" refers to a type of large shrimp.
- Living dead: This is often used in stories about zombies, where creatures are technically alive but act like they are dead.
Words That Are Truly Opposite
Other times, the words are so opposite that they create an impossible idea, which can be used for humor or to make a point.
- Round square: A square has straight sides and corners, so it can never be round. This is an impossible oxymoron.
- Deafening silence: Silence means no sound, but 'deafening' means extremely loud. This oxymoron describes a silence that is so complete it feels overwhelming.
Oxymorons in Jokes
Oxymorons sometimes appear in jokes to make people laugh or to highlight a funny idea.
- A common joke says that "honest politician" is an oxymoron. This joke suggests that politicians are often dishonest, making the idea of an "honest politician" seem like a contradiction. Of course, many politicians are honest, but the joke plays on the idea of words being opposite.
Related pages
Images for kids
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A combination of contradictory words
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See also
In Spanish: Oxímoron para niños
