Oxymorons

ox•y•mo•ron n., pl. -mora. A rhetorical figure in which an epigrammatic effect is created by the conjunction of incongruous or contradictory terms; for example, "a mournful optimist." [Greek oxumoron, a clever remark, more pointedly witty for seeming absurd or foolish, neuter of oxumoros, "sharp-foolish": OXY- (sharp) + moros, stupid, foolish.

Oxymorons have been around for a long time. As you can see from the etymology above, the Greeks probably had a lot of fun with them. Comedian George Carlin has entertained us with his "airplane food," "postal service," " military intelligence," and "government worker." Below is a list that can continue to grow as new examples are added over time. Some oldies begin the list and a wild assortment of creative, albeit demented, minds have contributed to the rest.

Sweet sorrow	Uncontrollable restraint
Marital bliss	Adequate incompetence
Frenzied indifference	Unquestionable doubt
Thunderous silence	Selfish generosity
Greater reduction	Intricate simplicity
Impending uncertainty	Willing reluctance
The fame of anonimity	Adulterous fidelity
Dynamic serenity	Incisive indecision
Platonic fornication	Stringent permissiveness
Harmonious cacophony	Marginal infinity
Flagrant timidity	Articulate ambiguity
Courageous apprehension	Rational dementia
Meteroic demise	Benign malignancy
Emphasized understatement	Terrifyingly placid
Intuitive inaccuracy	Apathetic sympathy
Crowded seclusion	Meticulous carelessness
Humble egotist	Impregnable vulnerability
Humorous lament