Contranym

This idea is for English speakers only.

I think there’s a trick to be found in the concept of “contronyms.” This is when the same word has two opposite meanings.

At first, I thought there might be some way to use them subtly in some Third Wave Equivoque-style statements. There may be, but I haven’t figured that out yet.

You could probably build a little act around using this concept more overtly. If you’re the sort of person who puts together “acts” with high-concept themes.

You could have different trick titles and then let the spectator/audience determine what the title means.

For example, “The Cleaved Rubber Band”- Which definition of “cleave” do they want to use? And then you either link the rubber band to something or split it in two.

Or you could have them count ten coins into your hand which you close into a fist. “This trick is called, ‘Three Coins Left.’ What do you want that title to mean? That three coins have gone? Or that three coins remain?” Whatever they choose you is what you make happen.

For a finale, you could do an escape. Have yourself tied to a chair.

As you’re getting tied, you narrate the process.

“My hands are bound. My feet are bound. My chest is bound.”

As a curtain is raised up, you say, “I am bound.”

The curtain drops and you’re free.

“Bound for home, bitches! See ya!” And you scamper away.

And yes, I know rubber band tricks and escapes aren’t generally in the same show. I’m brainstorming, stupid. Leave me alone.