Iseminger 1

Kelsey Iseminger

Mrs. Owens

AP Language and Composition

27 August 2018

Word’s Ethos: Bittersweet

The nature of the word bittersweet is an oxymoron. An oxymoron is a word or phrase that

combines two concepts that contradict each other. Usually, it is said that something is either

heartbreaking or heartwarming, not both. By combining the moods of despair and comfort, this

word provokes mixed emotions. These emotions usually include grief or sadness for something

that a person or character has lost, as well as joy because they have accomplished or overcome

an obstacle. As a culture, hearing the word “bittersweet,” usually means that something upsetting

is happening for a good reason or goal. For example, when a student leaves home to go off to

college, that would typically be classified as bittersweet. If a movie has a bittersweet ending,

some people will cry because of of the hardship someone had to endure to achieve their goals.

Upon hearing the word “bitter,” food comes to mind, such as lemons and limes. Figuratively

speaking, a person can have a bitter attitude toward the world and other people. When thinking

of things that are “sweet,” usually desserts and candy come to mind. Sweet can also be used to

describe a person who is kind. When combined, “bittersweet,” is usually used to describe a

mood, not a person.