Linguistically known as an oxymoron.
Main Entry: ox·y·mo·ron
- Pronunciation: "äk-si-'mOr-"än, -'mor-
- Function: noun
- Inflected Form(s): plural ox·y·mo·ra /-'mOr-&, -'mor-/
- Etymology: Late Greek oxymOron, from neuter of oxymOros pointedly foolish, from Greek oxys sharp, keen + mOros foolish
- Date: 1657
- : a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (as cruel kindness, or fun run)