THE adverb "no" — along with its semantic kindred "not," "never," and "without" — is arguably the most subversive word in the English language. "No" undermines and negates every single thought and idea to which it latches on: "No, I don't like you." "No, I have never loved you." Overwhelmingly powerful, "no" very quickly and efficiently demolishes every declarative or affirmative statement that we can think up in the English language.
