Why do so many people use the word "IRRegardless"?

I looked up the word "irregardless" in the dictionary once, and it's definition was, "inane use of the word regardless". I looked it up because it DOES drive me crazy too.

Apparently the word really IS a word based on it's history noted in the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.

"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. "

It makes me look the otherway! I ignore this usage.

I've heard even highly educated & those with English as their mother-tongue using 'IRREGARDLESS'! Seems they are fond of the sound getting better of its usage!

'Regardless' is the right word for it. It means paying no attention even if the situation is bad or there are difficulties. It is followed by 'of'.

The girl went on singing regarless of what others said how bad she sang.

Using 'irregardless' is like the following sentence:

He didn't know nothing about it as if double-negatives make a stronger negative!

I will be too glad to meet you for 'Iwill be very glad to meet you.

All quite common & people adjust!

People simply ignore such mistakes!

The problem is there are many words with similar pronunciations or spellings, and people don't know all the permutations.

Possibly they confuse 'regardless' with 'irrespective', which can be used interchangeably in most sentences.

I remember making the mistake with 'oriented' and 'orientated.' The latter word doesn't exist.

Because they can. No it doesn't bother me a bit. Our language is forever evolving. That's why the dictionary keeper add and drop worlds every year. Irregardless of what you think.

It's possible people get confused with "irrespective" which is a word and does mean what people use "irregardless" for.

i hate it too, but irregardless is actually in some dictionaries

I know...and that's so funny, cuz no one ever corrected me...one day, I was like, wait that doesn't make any sense...

You really can't blame ppl for their ignorance, they just don't know, and don't take the time evaluate themselves either...

I try to ignore it rather than embarrass the person speaking incorrectly.

Yes, it bothers me; in fact, it makes me go nukular.

Grins

LOL just like flammable and imflammable both mean able to burn.