no.11 - Irregardless

When I hear someone use the word "irregardless" I immediately think less of them. Its not that it isn't a real word - that point is somewhat debatable when you consider how fluid language is. It's that I get the impression they want to show their intelligence with an important-sounding word.

The word "irrespective" would be a better choice. It is an actual word; fully recognized in all dictionaries, major and minor. But outside of an academic presentation you are unlikely to ever hear it. "Irregardless" on the other hand, is far more commonly used, as in:

"Irregardless, sir, I am going to have to ask you to reboot your MacBook and step back from the Genius Bar."

But if this mashing together of the words "irrespective" and "regardless" has created a bastard child word, why can't I just accept it?

Forced and needy, "Irregardless" is an insecure word desperate to be loved and it's not. It wants to impress - but it doesn't. "Irrespective" sits confidently by, an actual word, and for the few professorial types who use it, it comes naturally off the tongue. "Regardless", meanwhile, is quite put out. "Irregardless" sends the sneaky message that "Regardless" isn't good enough. It needs more make-up and better clothes.

Most of all, I hate how highfalutin it is. But I am forced to admit that my tingle of superiority on this matter means that "Irregardless" isn't the only pompous one around.