A
rhetorical figure by which contradictory or incongruous terms are
conjoined so as to give point to the statement or expression; an
expression, in its superficial or literal meaning self-contradictory or
absurd, but involving a point. (Now often loosely or erroneously used as
if merely = a contradiction in terms, an incongruous conjunction.)
-- Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd edn
The
combining in one expression of two terms that are ordinarily
contradictory, and whose exceptional coincidence is therefore arresting.
...
harmonious discord ... The stock example is Horace's splendide
mendax.
A
Dictionary of Modern English Usage, 1965
Pointing out that some commonly accepted phrase is in fact an oxymoron
(that is, it is a contradiction in terms) can be used as a form of
insult :
- airplane food
- corporate change
- homeopathic medicine
- military intelligence
- structured programming
- virtual reality
1. Gram.
and Rhet. The use of more words in a sentence than are necessary
to express the meaning; redundancy of expression (either as a fault of
style, or as a figure purposely used for special force or clearness);
with a and pl., an instance of this, or the superfluous
word or phrase itself.
-- Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd edn
The using
of more words than are required to give the sense intended.
...
if and when ... in any shape or form.
A
Dictionary of Modern English Usage, 1965
Pleonasm,
n. An army of words escorting a corporal of thought.
The
Devil's Dictionary, 1911
Pointing out that some commonly accepted phrase is in fact a pleonasm
can be used as a form of insult:
- corporate change
- naive optimism