A weird thing happened at the supermarket Friday.

[BadenochWolf]

I was partaking in Kilted Friday and shopping at my local supermarket, when an older gent trundles up to me and demands to know "by whose authority" I was wearing my kilt. I was wearing a "fashion" tartan (Caledonian WCWM) at the time, so was utterly bemused by his line of questioning. He started to ask me again, and I blurted out "Why, by my OWN authority!" He looked abashed and quickly left. I still have NO earthly idea what his intention was. It's the oddest reaction I've had to my kilts.

[Taskr]

Retired Kilt Police?

[Jock Scot]

It happens.

[talondora]

I suppose I might ask him, "by whose authority" was he asking that question? (chuckle)

[Woodsman]

Maybe you could cite X-Marks as the authority.

[416 Rigby]

You should have simply asked him by who's authority was he wearing pants.

[Mike in Dayton]

By the authority of the Honorable Stuart R. Erskine.

"The Highland dress is essentially a "free" dress - that is to say, a man's taste and circumstances must alone be permitted to decide when and where and how he should wear it."
- "The Kilt and How to Wear it", published in 1901

[Geoff Withnell]

I once had a woman ask me by what right I wore the kilt. I drew myself up to my full 6' height and said " I am Geoffrey Leigh Withnell, head of the Withnell family by inheritance from my father and consent of the family, member of Davidson Clan by descent and acceptance by Alistair Davidston, our Chief, United States Marine by oath and force of arms and United States citizen by the grace of God. and who might you be to question my probity?" Nothing but stutters and a quick retreat. I though Michele would hurt herself she was laughing so hard.

[cck]

I once had a woman ask me by what right I wore the kilt. I drew myself up to my full 6' height and said " I am Geoffrey Leigh Withnell, head of the Withnell family by inheritance from my father and consent of the family, member of Davidson Clan by descent and acceptance by Alistair Davidston, our Chief, United States Marine by oath and force of arms and United States citizen by the grace of God. and who might you be to question my probity?" Nothing but stutters and a quick retreat. I though Michele would hurt herself she was laughing so hard.

I need to take lessons from you. You think far faster on your feet than I. Recently my wife and I were leaving a performance associated with a black tie event. "Are you from Scotland ?!!" came from a gruff voice behind me. I turned to face a woman. "No, I am from Austin. This is my family tartan and I like to wear it on special occasions." It was the best I could come up with, but it seemed to end to conversation.

[talondora]

That's a good one!! I can't stop laughing.....! (regarding the "ugly gun.)