Committee on the Oxymoronic Use of Oxymorons

The Committee on the Oxymoronic Use of Oxymorons was established to investigate the proliferation of oxymorons in modern language and to propose standards for their use.

Current Agenda

Today, the Committee is discussing the use of "jumbo shrimp" in a meeting about the importance of being concise.

Subcommittee on Oxymorons in Press Releases will also be meeting to discuss the use of "cunning little death" in corporate statements.

Notable Oxymorons

• Deja vu - A French term meaning "already seen", often used by tourists in Paris.
• Under the weather - An American phrase meaning "not raining", often used by meteorologists.
• Bite the bullet - An idiom meaning "to endure a painful experience", often used by dentists.

For more information on oxymorons, visit our Oxymoron Glossary.

Next meeting: Tomorrow at noon in the Committee Room.