What it mostly amounts to is people imitating other people. Way back about 20 years ago some not too bright fellow started saying "I could care less", not being aware that he was making a mistake in language and should have said that he "couldn't care less". Others heard him, and starting saying it incorrectly too. Now more people are saying it that way than are saying it the right way.

The same thing happened with the phrase "lie down" which has become "lay down" in common usage.

Then there's "a long way" (to Tipperary or wherever). If you hang around with the less educated, you will find that they are sticking an "s" on the end of "way" for some reason. God knows why. They must have heard someone else say it that way.

They also put an "ir" on the front of regardless.

Let's put 'em all together...

"Go tell the dog to lay down!" "I don't want to...it's a long ways over there, besides I could care less whether he lays down or not, coz he ain't my dog irregardless."

Sad, isn't it?

- LH