Publication

1997 - Random House, New York, New York (State)

Language

English

Word Count

79,250 words, Guess

Page Count

317 pages

Identifiers

  • Internet Archivewatchingmylangua00safi
  • ISBN-100679423877
  • ISBN-100965085325
  • ISBN-139780679423874
  • ISBN-139780965085328
and 3 more

Classifications

  • DDC428
  • LCCPE1421 .S2337 1997

Description

Before you scratch that seven-year-itch, you might want to know where it came from. And before someone blurts, "You just don't get it," perhaps you should consult the Pulitzer Prize-winning language columnist on the origins of that snappy feminist motto. In Watching My Language, William Safire investigates these questions and many others, including: What language was Bill Clinton speaking when he fumed, "I want to put a fist halfway down their throats with this ... I. want their teeth on the sidewalk"? Why is Ukraine no longer the Ukraine? Should there be an insurrection against this usage? Did baseball manager Leo Durocher really say, "Nice guys finish last"? Who deserves credit for coining the expressions policy wonk, digerati, and Not!? William Safire, a man hip enough to explore the meaning of hip-hop, answers these questions and many more in this witty and enlightening collection.

Subjects

Links

Other Editions

  • Watching my language: adventures in the word tradeRandom House1997-01-01

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