156 - Chats with Shana: My Christmas Memories (+10 Must-Know Oxymorons)
Dec 20, 2023
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In this podcast, the host discusses 10 must-know oxymorons by sharing their Christmas memories. They talk about Christmas traditions in the United States, childhood memories at their grandparents' house, and explore different oxymorons and their meanings. They also provide examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate the use of oxymorons.
The author's memories of Christmas celebrations with her dad's side of the family were filled with laughter, funny stories, and boisterous meals, creating a seriously funny and lighthearted atmosphere.
The podcast introduces and explains oxymorons, showcasing how contradicting word combinations like 'seriously funny' and 'definite maybe' are commonly used in English conversation and can be confusing for non-native speakers.
Deep dives
Funny and Playful Family
One of the main ideas in the podcast is the author's memories of Christmas celebrations with her dad's side of the family. She describes them as a seriously funny and lighthearted group of people who always had a good sense of humor. The author recalls how their gatherings were filled with laughter and funny stories, and how their meals were always loud and boisterous. Despite the passing of her grandparents, the author admits that organizing Christmas with this side of the family can be challenging but still holds special memories.
Paradoxical Terms in Everyday Language
Another key point in the podcast is the use and explanation of oxymorons, which are pairs of contradictory terms. The podcast host introduces examples of oxymorons, such as 'seriously funny,' 'old news,' 'dull roar,' 'deafening silence,' 'awfully good or terribly good,' 'jumbo shrimp,' 'definite maybe,' 'good grief,' 'small crowd,' and 'clearly confused.' The host explains how these seemingly contradictory word combinations are commonly used in English conversation and can sometimes be confusing for non-native speakers.
Festive Traditions and Oxymorons in Holiday Celebrations
The podcast also delves into the author's Christmas traditions and the role of oxymorons within them. The author describes how her mom's house was warm and inviting during the holiday season, with twinkling lights, decorations, and a beautifully decorated tree. She discusses the festive atmosphere and the excitement of opening gifts, as well as the tradition of playing Secret Santa and exchanging gag gifts. The author shares anecdotes about her family's use of oxymorons, such as a jello cookbook as a gag gift and the term 'resident alien' to describe her husband, who is from Brazil. She also mentions the concept of 'good grief' and describes the contrasting experiences of her family's Christmas celebrations with her dad's side and her mom's side.
Today you’ll learn 10-Must Know Oxymorons to avoid confusion in conversation and the canvas for introducing these words will be a story about my Christmas Memories.
An oxymoron is a literary device that has two contradicting terms, such as "pretty ugly," or "awfully good."
This lesson will have two parts: First you will hear the story which contains all of the oxymorons in context. As a challenge, I want you to listen closely and find 10 of the 15 oxymorons mentioned.
At the end, I'll tell you all of the oxymorons and provide further explanation on how to use them!