irregardless

irregardless
irregardless an erroneous word that, etymologically, means the opposite of what it is used to express. Attested in non-standard writing from at least 1870s (e.g. "Portsmouth Times," Portsmouth, Ohio, U.S.A., April 11, 1874: "We supported the six successful candidates for Council in the face of a strong opposition. We were led to do so because we believed every man of them would do his whole duty, irregardless of party, and the columns of this paper for one year has [sic] told what is needed."); probably a blend of irrespective and regardless. Perhaps inspired by the colloquial use of the double negative as an emphatic.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • Irregardless — is a term meaning in spite of or anyway , that has caused controversy since it first appeared in the early twentieth century. It is generally listed in dictionaries as incorrect or nonstandard .OriginThe origin of irregardless is not known for… …   Wikipedia

  • irregardless of — (something) without being influenced by something. If you come to this country and commit a crime, I think that irregardless of whether you re now a citizen, you should be deported. Usage notes: not considered standard English …   New idioms dictionary

  • irregardless — is in origin probably a blend of irrespective and regardless. It is sometimes found in humorous contexts and is non standard …   Modern English usage

  • irregardless — ☆ irregardless [ir΄i gärd′lis ] adj., adv. REGARDLESS: a nonstandard or humorous usage …   English World dictionary

  • irregardless — /ir i gahrd lis/, adv. Nonstandard. regardless. [1910 15; IR 2 (prob. after irrespective) + REGARDLESS] Usage. IRREGARDLESS is considered nonstandard because of the two negative elements ir and less. It was probably formed on the analogy of such… …   Universalium

  • irregardless — 1) people use this word to stress the meaning of regardless. You will follow the policy, irregardless of your feelings. 2) Used to dismiss a valid point or issue. To continue in spite of the facts. Abe: Your decisions have resulted in a loss in… …   Dictionary of american slang

  • irregardless — 1) people use this word to stress the meaning of regardless. You will follow the policy, irregardless of your feelings. 2) Used to dismiss a valid point or issue. To continue in spite of the facts. Abe: Your decisions have resulted in a loss in… …   Dictionary of american slang

  • irregardless — ir•re•gard•less [[t]ˌɪr ɪˈgɑrd lɪs[/t]] adv. Nonstandard. use regardless • Etymology: 1910–15; ir II (prob. after irrespective) +regardless usage: irregardless is considered nonstandard because of the two negative elements ir and less. Those who… …   From formal English to slang

  • irregardless — adverb Etymology: probably blend of irrespective and regardless Date: circa 1912 nonstandard regardless Usage: Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • irregardless — adjective /ˌɪɹ.ɪˈɡɑːd.ləs,ˌɪ.ɹɪˈɡɑːd.ləs,ˌɪɹ.ɪˈɡɑɹd.ləs,ˌɪ.ɹɪˈɡɑɹd.ləs/ Regardless. Dear loved ones were unceremoniously hurried off home, irregardless to any previous arrangement, where they could sit down and recount the incidents of the trip… …   Wiktionary

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