A phrase which joins contradictory words to create a paradox, for example ‘pretty ugly’.
A more extensive list of literary terms, with quotations from fiction and non-fiction sources showing the terms in use, is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
Glossary
We’ve curated a glossary of terms regarding all things writing and publishing related. From commonly-used terms to abbreviations, our glossary will guide writers and people starting out in publishing, to cut through the jargon and gain a better understanding.
Filter by
Oxymoron
Ozalid
This is a process for reproducing manuscripts and making a proof from exposing film onto light-sensitive paper.
Page proofs
A set of proofs of the pages in a book used to check the accuracy of typesetting and page layout, and also as an advance promotional tool. These are commonly provided in electronic form, rather than in physical form.
Paper engineering
The mechanics of creating novelty books and pop-ups.
Paperback
A book bound with a flexible paper or card covering.