Re: EU Warns Iraq It Faces 'Last Chance'

[Jon Gabriel]

From: Richard Baker <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: Killer Bs Discussion <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Killer Bs Discussion <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: EU Warns Iraq It Faces 'Last Chance'
Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 18:29:55 +0000

Jeffrey said:

> ...Irregardless...

I'd never seen (or perhaps noticed) that word before the last week or
so, but it's been used several times here recently. Is it a word in
common use in the US or a new meme that's some kind of hybrid of
"regardless" and "irrespective"?

Rich
GCU Linguistic Evolution

From m-w.com:

One entry found for irregardless.
Main Entry: ir·re·gard·less
Pronunciation: "ir-i-'gärd-l&s
Function: 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 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 over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.

Jon


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