What Does It Mean When They Say "No First Use" Of Nuclear Weapons?

This is a term used by governments of nations to give some air of respectability to their desire to hold nuclear weapons.  It's saying, "Yes we have to have them but we are nice people really and would never use them unless we were attacked first."  Nuclear weapons have become almost a status symbol for some countries.  Look at what has happened on the Indian sub-continent.  Why does Pakistan need nuclear weapons? Simply because India has them.  The idea of the weapons ever being used is out of the question.  You simply have to accept the fact that in general we are governed by lunatics!!