[longshadow]

Appears to me his only qualification was that other even less qualified people liked his conclusions irregardless of the fact that he never presented any evidence. At best he was a philosopher of biology, and a poor one at that. [emphasis added]

Before denigrating someone else's qualifications, you might wish to try looking up "irregardless."

There is no such word in the English language.

[JudyB1938]

One entry found for irregardless.

Webster's:

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.

[Tuor]

Before denigrating someone else's qualifications, you might wish to try looking up "irregardless."

And you should consider how words make their way into the English language: by usage. If enough people use the word (and many do) then eventually the selection committees of various dictionaries will start to create entries for it.

But yes, technically you are right: it is not a *proper* word, irregardless of the fact it is often used as one.

Tuor

[connectthedots]

You are correct. 'regardless' would have been much more proper.