A word that always works in English class if you need a word for tone. Even if you don't know anything about the piece you're talking about.
Teacher: "Blah blah blah, diction, syntax, imagery."
Student: "The tone of this passage sounds very... bittersweet."
Teacher: "Good job! You're my favorite student now!"
mixture of two opposing feelings. one which is good and the other which is bad. such as pleasure and pain. it may be pleasurable but yet cause pain or discomfort.
Mike and I have a bittersweet relationship. The sex is awesome but besides that we don't have any connection.
A clear example of an oxymoron; when something tastes good, but also tastes bad; when a thought or feeling is good and bad/happy and sad/smiley and frowny, etc.
I love how he holds me and says that he 'loves me' but when he fucks up, and breaks promises or says something shitty when seriously drunk. He's bitter, bittersweet.