In my personal quest to improve my language usage (and those around me) I propose once and for all that we make it clear to the entire English-speaking world that ‘irregardless’ is not a word. At first it sounds innocent enough to say “Irregardless, I still want to go to New York for Christmas”. However, the correct word choice is ‘regardless’, meaning without regard. Using ‘irregardless’ creates a double negative, essentially translating to “not without regard” which boils down to meaning the same thing as “with regard”.

So, next time you are tempted to use the word ‘irregardless’ or you overhear someone else use it, don’t be afraid to correct them. It is your duty as a card-carrying member of the grammar police.

Do you have a word that drives you crazy?