Classic Examples:
* Living dead: A contradiction in terms, as "dead" implies the absence of life.
* Military intelligence: A humorous play on the idea that intelligence is often lacking in military operations.
* Pretty ugly: Combines two opposing aesthetic qualities.
* Bitter sweet: Describes a mixed emotional experience, both painful and pleasurable.
* Deafening silence: Emphasizes the intensity of the silence.
* Jumbo shrimp: Plays on the size discrepancy between the two concepts.
Other Examples:
* Open secret: Something known by many but officially unacknowledged.
* Original copy: A contradiction in terms, as a copy is not original.
* Working vacation: A holiday where one also engages in work-related activities.
* Civil war: A war fought within a single nation.
* Act naturally: This implies that natural behavior is often an act.
* Same difference: Used when two things are so similar that they are essentially the same.
* Clearly confused: Highlights the illogical nature of being both clear and confused.
* Alone together: A state of being both physically together and emotionally separate.
Important Notes:
* Oxymorons can be used for comedic effect, to create irony, or to add a layer of complexity to language.
* Some words that seem like oxymorons may actually be legitimate phrases with specific meanings (e.g., "peaceful warrior").
* The interpretation of an oxymoron can be subjective, and the impact can depend on the context.