Also known as “antagonyms”
Written by hootenannie on June 30th, 2009A few months ago, PZC taught me about auto antonyms – although I think that I prefer their less-popular name, contronyms. Any non-word-lovers out there can just call them self-contradictions (but I will judge you).
What is an auto antonym? It’s a word that can mean the opposite of itself.
IMPOSSIBLE, you say.
NOT WITH JESUS, I say.
Or, just, it’s not impossible. Because it’s truth. Look at this whole list of auto antonyms I found – and tell me that you aren’t captivated. I mean, SOMEONE besides Pauly and me must find this word-nerdage fascinating?
Words! That mean one thing! AND! The total opposite thing! Auto antonyms are the “choose your own adventure” of vocabulary.
The next time someone calls me lurid, I’m giving him a kiss on the lips.*
*not a promise.
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I love that list!! It’s completely outstanding. The positive kind of outstanding.
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This is so cool! Thanks Annie!
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I love them more than words could possibly describe.
This has totally made my day.
Whitney
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Love those! Will have to send the link to all the word nerds I know.
And Annie, you are so funny. Both, “NOT WITH JESUS, I say,” and your asterisk at the end had me rolling. :)
(With laughter… not pastry dough or down a hillside or anything…)
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My favorite is cleave. Don’t judge me.
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LOVE IT!