Those familiar with Safire's editorial style, reflected in his political columns on the editorial pages of The N. Y. Times, may agree with me in the contention that when he writes about language he seems to be writing on his day off: I cannot put my finger on why, but On Language always strikes me as an excruciating effort to be cute. In part, that is attributable to the designation of his correspondents, who keep him informed on language that is not within earshot, as the Lexicographic Irregulars, an amusing reference the first time or two it was used but now beginning to cloy.
Those familiar with Safire's editorial style, reflected in his political columns on the editorial pages of The N. Y. Times, may agree with me in the contention that when he writes about language he seems to be writing on his day off. In part, that is attributable to the designation of his correspondents, who keep him informed on language that is not within earshot, as the Lexicographic Irregulars.