By: The English Doctor

Oxymoron's are words that when used together, convey conflicting meanings like sweet and sour. The word comes from the Greek words "oxy" meaning acid or sharp and "moron" which means sweet and soft.

This word usage has been a part of the English language for centuries, dating back to days of Shakespeare.

Perhaps the most famous oxymoron is "army intelligence." Many consider these words to be mutually exclusive. Often, those who use oxymorons fail to see the unintended humor in their usage.

For example, "I am taking a working vacation." The question remains, can a vacation ever include work? Or when someone says to his child before getting his school photo taken, "act naturally." Well, if the kid is supposed to be natural, why does he have to act?

Or how about these: "exact estimate," "minor crisis," "original copies" or "plastic glasses." One of my favorites is, "jumbo shrimp." Or how about if you tell your spouse, "let's be alone together tonight." Alone? Together? Or how about, "That is old news."

We have all heard of "The Great Depression." What is "great" about a depression?

Or about when someone cannot be found, he is said to be "found missing." How can he be missing and found at the same time?

And we do not think twice about saying something or someone is "pretty ugly." Think about that one. Or, "this is an exact replica." How can it be exact and be a copy?

Or how about this one, two planes that nearly collide and "it was a near miss." Huh? Have you ever watched a performance that was "taped live?"

Who has not heard of this one, "the silence was deafening."

We have also heard that someone was "clearly misunderstood." How things are clear if he is misunderstood?

What is clear, oxymorons will continue to be an integral part of this fascinating language of ours.

You may write me at TheEnglishDoctor@cox.net

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