Perils of misuse, round two: Irregardless.

The title of this article is enough to make any grammar-holic cringe. "Irregardless" (and from this point forward it will be used in quotations, like it or not) is one of the most detestable made-up words not considered welcome in the English language. Because it sounds similar enough to regardless and seems to use the prefix "ir-" to indicate a negative, "irregardless" has attached itself to mainstream vernacular at the detestation of high-volume readers and grammar snobs.

As always, a consultation with Merriam-Webster.com is necessary. "Function: adverb. nonstandard [definition]: regardless. Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927. The most frequently repeated remark about it is that "there is no such word." There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen in years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead." It even states the etymology of the word is a likely blending of irrespective and regardless. Let's explore.

Regardless: (adverb) despite everything; (adjective) careless, heedless.

By definition regardless has a negative connotation; it means to pursue or do something without concern: less regard, i.e. without regard.

Irrespective: (adjective) without regard to something else, esp. something specified; ignoring or discounting.

By definition irrespective means the same as regardless. Looking closer, irrespective = ir + respective = not + particular; separate. Referring to the afore-disclosed definition, this combination makes sense.

In regard (ha!) to regardless/"irregardless", let's delineate the equation once more: ir + regardless = not + despite everything. Wait, adding the ir- prefix puts a negative in front of an already negative word? Isn't that considered a double-negative? Wouldn't that make the definition of "irregardless" with regard? Is this why ears bleed whenever "irregardless" is muttered?

Though Merriam-Webster says the word does in fact exist (likely because the "word" is a collection of letters used in sentences by people), from a grammatical standpoint, it makes little sense. As Merriam-Webster suggests, "Use regardless instead."