The use of oxymorons is considered "the salt and pepper" of delectable writing. If you plan on doing an essay, a poem, a story, and a script ... or better still if you are into writing or describing life's peculiarities, weirdness, and incongruities ... stir up a boring and lifeless scenario into something more alive in the hard-to-please minds of your target audience.
Oxymorons serve akin to herbs, spices, and condiments ... and when you daub a little of this ... and a little of that into whatever you write... to your surprise ... it provokes a smile on somebody's face ... a giggle here and snickers there ... an expansion of awareness ... or just pure awe.
That's precisely how this flavorful figurative language has been utilized by penpushers and speechwriters. It adds more verve, style, originality, flair, and fun to any you write.
Why even the titles of movies succumb to the use of oxymorons (defined as using two contradictory words) ... to make an impact, grab more attention, or create an impression.
Classical examples are:
1. Eyes Wide Shut - contradictory words are wide and shut. Eyes are not wide when shut. It should be Eyes Wide Open!
2. You Only Live Twice - contradictory words are life and twice ... not unless you are like a cat with nine lives.
3. Dead Man Walking - contradictory words are dead and walking ... if you are dead you can't walk and if you can walk you are alive.
4. True Lies - Contradictory words are true and lies. If it is true ... then it is not a lie.
5. Back To The Future - contradictory words are back and future ... you can't go back to the future ... you have to fast forward.
See how the title tricked you ... and you end up shaking your head. The title did not just add flavor ... but it has intrigued you and aroused your interest and curiosity.
I'll try to add more movie titles, and literary works that employ the use of oxymorons next issue.
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