oxymoron

Archived Topic · Post by **Archived Topic** » Wed Mar 24, 2004 6:17 am

I am trying to find out where the word oxymoron originated - my daughter is doing a speach for her elementary school - she has the definition, some examples but cannot find out where this originated.

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Archived Reply · Post by **Archived Reply** » Wed Mar 24, 2004 6:46 am

OXYMORON: a combination for epigrammatic effect of contradictory or incongruous words (as cruel kindness, laborious idleness)

Etymology:Greek oxymoron, from neuter of oxymoros pointedly foolish, from oxy-, sharp, acute, pointed + moros dull, foolish (as in moron0

(Merrian Webster's Unabridged Dictionary)

Archived Reply · Post by **Archived Reply** » Wed Mar 24, 2004 7:01 am

and i thought it was a dumb guy with an oxygen mask on

Reply from ( - )

Ken Greenwald · Post by **Ken Greenwald** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 7:44 am

I know it has been posted before, but this site is good!!

://www.fun-with-words.com/oxym_oxymoronology.html

Submitted by Gary Wallington (Akolele - Australia)