Sound and Sense, 28

Our English dictionary has in it many words whose sounds and meanings can … confuse. In this next series of doggerel, I’ll be writing about several sorts of such words.

The first—the contronym: a word, says the Oxford English Dictionary, that has “two opposite or contradictory meanings.”

Earliest published use: 1962.

temper verb

1. to soften

2. to strengthen

“Please temper your remarks,” he urged.

"Your passion should be somewhat purged.”

“I’ll temper them,” I said. “I feel

I’ll temper them like finest steel.”

"That's not exactly what I meant,”

My boss replied. So then I went

A bit berserk. He was surprised—

Had never seen me exercised.

And so he fired me—sweet old me!

But now, at last, I’m free! I’m free!

**

My newest friend is Penury—

Which happens with no salary.