Oxymorons are two or more terms placed together in speech or text that seemingly contradict each other. Oxymorons can be both entertaining and confusing! The combined words are often put together to create a paradox used in literature, speeches, or advertising. Oxymorons can also be errors in speech that confuse the listener.

When introduced to a new oxymoron, people often have to stop and think about the meaning intended by the contradiction. Just war, alone in a crowd, the living dead, and sound of silence are examples of figures of speech that can spur long debates and deep discussions. Many oxymorons are uncontroversial, like young adult and freezer burn, and have a commonly accepted meaning among English speakers.

Here is a list of common oxymorons:



Oxymorons can be taught and practiced in a variety of ways:

• Oxymorons are often used in advertising. Students can choose an oxymoron, and create an advertisement for a product using the phrase in a clever way.


• Write a list of oxymorons on the board. Pass out cards to each student with one oxymoron written on each card. Students will think about the meaning of the individual words, as well as the meaning when the words are combined into one thought. Students will act out their assigned words, while others try to guess which oxymoron from the board is the correct one.


• After students have been introduced to oxymorons, and are familiar with their use, challenge small groups to create a list of original oxymorons. Students will present to the class the new word combinations, as well as the intended meaning for the new oxymorons.


• Students will draw a picture to show their interpretation of the meaning for an oxymoron.


• Oxymorons are often used in literature. Students will write a short paragraph using one oxymoron, demonstrating how it is used in written language.

Oxymorons are fun to learn and think about. They can be serious or humorous, and liven up classroom discussions. Understanding how they work, and what they mean, affects reading comprehension. So, have some serious fun with these uncommonly normal figures of speech.