‘On Language’ 3/29: Irrespective of common use, ‘irregardless’ draws ire
Ire reaches new heights over word pronunciations
‘On Language‘
Chicago Tribune
March 29, 2006
By Nathan Bierma
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Q. I know that the word “irregardless” is in the dictionary, but I am not sure if it ever has a correct application.
—Edward Kepuraitis, Frankfort, Ill.
A. The four major dictionaries I checked all include and define “irregardless,” but they all label it as “non-standard” and note that the preferred word in Standard English is “regardless.” Most dictionaries and usage guides say this word originated nearly 100 years ago, presumably as a blend of the words “irrespective” (which is accepted in Standard English) and “regardless.” Some note that “irregardless” is vehemently condemned by users of Standard English, and advise that it’s easy to avoid their wrath by simply saying “regardless” instead.
If the word “irregardless” is included and defined in the four major dictionaries but is noted that “regardless” is the preferred usage, is it grammitically incorrect to use the word “irregardless”?
Posted by Jack Kepuraitis on 12/03 at 04:20 PM
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