No Uncertain Terms: More Writing from the Popular "On Language" Column in The New York Times Magazine

by William Safire

Examines and provides comments on language trends while tracing the origins of timely words and phrases that discuss such topics as technology, entertainment, and everyday life.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, Language

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

William 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.

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

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?

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Mary Vogelsong · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Joshua Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Peter Z.]

DNF 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.