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No Uncertain Terms: More Writing from the Popular "On Language" Column in The New York Times Magazine
There is no wittier, more amiable or more astute word maven than Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist William Safire.
For many people, the first item on the agenda for Sunday morning is to sit down and read Safire's "On Language" column in The New York Times Magazine, then to compose a "Gotcha" letter to the Times. Each of his books on language is a classic, to be read, re-read and fought over. Safire is the beloved, slightly crotchety guru of contemporary vocabulary, speech, language, usage and writing, as close as we are likely to get to a modern Samuel Johnson. Fans, critics and fellow language mavens eagerly await his books on language. This one is no exception.
William Safire has written the weekly New York Times Magazine column "On Language" since 1979. His observations on grammar, usage and etymology have led to the publication of fourteen "word books" and have made him the most widely read writer on the English language today. The subjects for his columns come from his insights into the current political scene, as well as from technology, entertainment and life in general. Known for his delight in catching people (especially politicians) who misuse words, he is not above tackling his own linguistic gaffes. Safire examines and comments on language trends and traces the origins of everyday words, phrases and clichés to their source. Scholarly, entertaining, lively and thoughtful, Safire's pointed commentaries on popular language and culture are at once provocative and enlightening.
Want the 411 on what's phat and what's skeevy? Here's the "straight dope" on everything from "fast-track legislation" to "the Full Monty," with deft and well-directed potshots at those who criticize, twist the usage of or misunderstand the meaning of such classic examples of American idiom as "grow'd like Topsy," "and the horse you rode in on," "drop a dime" (on someone), "go figure" and hundreds more, together with sharp, witty and passionately opinionated letters from both ordinary readers and equally irate or puzzled celebrities who have been unable to resist picking up a pen to put Mr. Safire in his place or to offer detailed criticism, additional examples or amusing anecdotes.
No Uncertain Terms is a boisterous and brilliant look at the oddities and foibles of our language. Not only "a blast and a half," but wise, clever and illuminating, it is a book that Mencken would have loved and that should be on the desk (or at the bedside) of everyone who shares Mr. Safire's profound love of the English language and his penchant for asking, "Where does that come from?"
This new collection is a joy that will spark the interest of language lovers everywhere.
For many people, the first item on the agenda for Sunday morning is to sit down and read Safire's "On Language" column in The New York Times Magazine, then to compose a "Gotcha" letter to the Times. Each of his books on language is a classic, to be read, re-read and fought over. Safire is the beloved, slightly crotchety guru of contemporary vocabulary, speech, language, usage and writing, as close as we are likely to get to a modern Samuel Johnson. Fans, critics and fellow language mavens eagerly await his books on language. This one is no exception.
William Safire has written the weekly New York Times Magazine column "On Language" since 1979. His observations on grammar, usage and etymology have led to the publication of fourteen "word books" and have made him the most widely read writer on the English language today. The subjects for his columns come from his insights into the current political scene, as well as from technology, entertainment and life in general. Known for his delight in catching people (especially politicians) who misuse words, he is not above tackling his own linguistic gaffes. Safire examines and comments on language trends and traces the origins of everyday words, phrases and clichés to their source. Scholarly, entertaining, lively and thoughtful, Safire's pointed commentaries on popular language and culture are at once provocative and enlightening.
Want the 411 on what's phat and what's skeevy? Here's the "straight dope" on everything from "fast-track legislation" to "the Full Monty," with deft and well-directed potshots at those who criticize, twist the usage of or misunderstand the meaning of such classic examples of American idiom as "grow'd like Topsy," "and the horse you rode in on," "drop a dime" (on someone), "go figure" and hundreds more, together with sharp, witty and passionately opinionated letters from both ordinary readers and equally irate or puzzled celebrities who have been unable to resist picking up a pen to put Mr. Safire in his place or to offer detailed criticism, additional examples or amusing anecdotes.
No Uncertain Terms is a boisterous and brilliant look at the oddities and foibles of our language. Not only "a blast and a half," but wise, clever and illuminating, it is a book that Mencken would have loved and that should be on the desk (or at the bedside) of everyone who shares Mr. Safire's profound love of the English language and his penchant for asking, "Where does that come from?"
This new collection is a joy that will spark the interest of language lovers everywhere.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
8 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
William Safire
99 books55 followersWilliam Lewis Safire was an American author, columnist, journalist and presidential speechwriter.
He was perhaps best known as a long-time syndicated political columnist for the New York Times and a regular contributor to "On Language" in the New York Times Magazine, a column on popular etymology, new or unusual usages, and other language-related topics.
He was perhaps best known as a long-time syndicated political columnist for the New York Times and a regular contributor to "On Language" in the New York Times Magazine, a column on popular etymology, new or unusual usages, and other language-related topics.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 18, 2009
In this book I learn that even William Safire doesn't always do his homework. Evidence: his mistake about the term 'Film Noir.' Even I knew that one.
Aside from that, much as it pains me to admit it (I happen to detest Safire quite heartily), I enjoyed the book, not the least of when I found an error. It's informative, witty, and Safire admits he's doubly venal (more or less, anyway). What more could I ask?
Aside from that, much as it pains me to admit it (I happen to detest Safire quite heartily), I enjoyed the book, not the least of when I found an error. It's informative, witty, and Safire admits he's doubly venal (more or less, anyway). What more could I ask?
February 8, 2020
I remember reading this column in college in the New York Times Magazine, which is how I think this ended up on my "To Read" list nearly 20 years ago. . I enjoyed the word origin stories and Safire's willingness to admit it when he made an error. I wish the columns had been dated -- it's obvious they come from the late 1990s through the 2000 presidential election, but they seem to skip around in time. It would have been nice to have more context.
March 16, 2023
The publishers of No Uncertain Terns sourced the contents of the book from William Safire's New York Times column, On Language. Safire examines the origin of words, phrases, and idioms, and their usage in our language. Along the way, he recounts anecdotes related to the phrase he is discussing.
The book is dated, as Safire penned the material in the late '90s. Still, I view it as a valuable reference, and wish my copy was paper instead of electronic.
The book is dated, as Safire penned the material in the late '90s. Still, I view it as a valuable reference, and wish my copy was paper instead of electronic.
May 14, 2019
I quite enjoyed reading Safire's wit and wisdom, even where he slipped up; perhaps I did enjoy those bits especially because of his easy ownership of errors. I learned quite a bit about the origins of phrases and word usage. It's a pity that the Times has not replaced Safire with a wit as sharp as his was.
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April 2, 2025DNF very early. Sorry Mr. Safire. I don't think I was in the right mood and I just couldn't stay in the zone. I'll try again when I'm able to focus better.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews