Stop! Grammar time.

 

The first Grammar Time of the new year! What does it bring?

OXYMORONS

An oxymoron is when two words with opposite meanings are placed next to each other in the sentence. 

The sentence then looks like it is a contradiction of terms; however, it can add drama to your sentence or speech, or it can make the reader or listener stop and think or laugh at the idea. 

One of the most used oxymorons in Australia is:

Yeah nah

It can be written in different ways (yeah-nah or yeahnah), but that doesn't change its meaning or impact. 

'Yeah nah' actually means that yes, I have heard you speak; no, I don't agree with you. It is a phrase that may minimise offense when you think the person you are speaking with is wrong though you understand what they are saying, or if you think it is a bad idea and won't go along with it. Of course, if there is a longer pause between the words; then the point is being made more strongly that there is disagreement. 

Also with oxymorons, 'yeah nah' can go in the opposite direction: nah yeah

Head spinner! Particularly because whilst it can mean the opposite of 'yeah nah', it also necessarily doesn't. Maybe something was missed from the conversation and so nah, I see your point, but yeah there's also this to consider. Or, maybe it is just to highlight the fact that something isn't right, or it is silly, or it doesn't make sense: nah that's wrong, and yeah I/we know it's wrong. 

I know it is a long explanation; but it shows the depth of oxymorons. There are also plenty of others that are more well-known globally:

That's the same difference.

You are clearly confused.

I better act naturally. 

A small crowd gathered to watch the bittersweet performance.

What others can you think of?