All-time best kilt compliment

[RobertParker]

I wanted to tell this story for a while, since it's the best compliment I've ever gotten on my kilt. I thought I'd see what other good ones folks have gotten.

When I was in grad school at Western Kentucky, I was walking across campus one afternoon and two guys were walking past me the opposite direction. They were wearing big baggy jeans with Tommy Hilfiger and FUBU shirts, lots of jewelry, and basically really showing the hip-hop style. As we passed each other, one of them made some kind of sign with his hand (I could tell exactly what), held it up, and looking at me said, "Represent!" (which, if you aren't familiar is basically hip-hop slang for showing pride in whatever your background/style is).

I really thought it was great and the by far the best and most unique compliment I've ever had.

[pipesndrumsnun]

Great story!

[James MacMillan]

Nice story - But when I think about it - Don't we all "represent" our background and experiences in everything we do? If we were otherwise we would just be wearing a halloween costume.

Represent with pride!

[Tattoo Bradley]

Nice story - But when I think about it - Don't we all "represent" our background and experiences in everything we do? If we were otherwise we would just be wearing a halloween costume.

Represent with pride!

Some people more or less do.

[The Barry]

Able to bridge wide cultural divides.

Just another attribute to list under the power of the kilt. I used to think that good looks and comfort were the reasons we wore the kilt! I'm an unbifurcated cultural ambassador!

I want an embassy!

[Alaskan Kilted Guy]

Very cool indeed!

[Jack Daw]

That's a cool story. I have one, too.

My car broke down (transmission) on the way home from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards concert a few weeks ago. Yes, I was in my BW kilt, red-and-white diced hose, badger-mask sporran, tie and argyll jacket, and I was not in a friendly neighborhood, either (just off the freeway). I called for a tow and for my brother to pick me up. My brother, who has never seen me kilted, arrived before the tow and he laughed and laughed. He's never seen me in kilt before. The tow driver showed and said nothing, but I felt the need to explain that I was wearing a kilt, not a skirt. The tow driver, who is Hispanic, said, "Oh, I know, I wear one myself sometimes." It shut my brother up.

[McFarkus]

Jack, that's a great story too.

Robert, I live in an ethnically mixed neighborhood in Chicago, and have been surprised by the respect I get from both Black and Latino gang members. I think they figure I must have b*lls to wear a kilt on the street.

[Dirk Skene]

That is a neat story It shows that while they were not of the mind to be kilted, they appreciated those with the guts to be so. Makes me think just a little differently of the "baggy pants" group after hearing your story.

[JS Sanders]

Coincidentally, I've had experiences with inner-city youths similar to RobertParker's. Just as described, they're typically decked out in 'thug attire', comprised of the familiar non-fitting trousers, do-rags, etc.

The only difference is that they are directing their comments to my pipes, rather than the kilt. If questions are offered, they're regarding the instrument. I've recvd their complicated handshake ritual as well. Probably the first occasion for them to ever see/hear pipes live.

Slainte yall,
steve