Oxymoron in language consciousness and communicative practice

The paper deals with a stylistic figure «oxymoron» which expresses polar contradiction of concepts. Sematic and pragmatic properties this device have been described. Semantically, simple complicated (metaphoric) types oxymoron may be singled out. Simple oxymorons include occasional units made by combinations affixes or roots contradictory meanings in compound words. Standard attributive nominal collocations make the majority oxymorons. simplest type such is single-root word combination negative prefix for part dyadic unit. Elaborated are formed constructions on basis formula «Though A, but B» (e. g. They never lost chance to lose chance). A special subgroup words including component not directly expressed affix. Oxymorons often used as headlines because their high energetic potential. Another figures question defined metaphoric oxymorons, both parts unit semantically transformed. approach description makes it possible characterize main text attracting figures. Pragmatically, ironical, emblematic symbolic varieties I argue that habitual publicist communication comical effect, whereas aphorisms poetry aims paradoxically express new meaning.