First time stopped by a kilt kop

[Jock Scot]

Jock, thanks for that info, she came across as very serious on approach, more so then I would have been with a stranger though left with a smile making it hard to read. I kept things lighter on my part and I don't offend easily by direct questions though I could see some taking it worse.

Overall it wasn't an unpleasant occurrence just completely unexpected.
McMurdo, I'd have taken that one badly, hope you managed to teach him a lesson in manners.

The Scots, particularly Highlanders, do a very serious look on first meeting anyway, the open faced smiles style at first meeting are not what Scots do on the whole, particularly when doing the tongue in cheek bit! Sometimes it is true, as OCR has recounted, some Scots are actually not impressed with outsiders wearing the kilt and make it very plain that they aren't, but most of that ilk just hold their council.

[Holcombe Thomas]

Following on Jock's comment, we Americans tend to smile more openly than many other cultures. That others are not openly grinning doesn't mean they are unhappy, grumpy, or otherwise out of sorts.

Come to think of it, perhaps they are lost in thought, wondering just what the American is so happy about.

Holcombe

[Jock Scot]

Thank you Holcome Thomas! I think that you hit the nail squarely on the head. I actually hold, amongst others, Americans in high regard, mainly due to their unstinting support and sacrifice for our country and what we stood for and so far from their homes. Even as a wee small lad it was plain to see what these---- and others---- from so far away, were doing for us in WW2. However, it was also plain to see even through a child's eyes the open faced generosity and friendlyness that came from those from afar and was so foreign to what we knew and know.

Is it any different now? Well, the common enemy was vanquished, the need to be allies still exists, the world in so many ways is a much smaller place, but, But, BUT there is still a difference in perspective on so many things that more time, much more than any of us here will be able to give, before we will understand each others perspective on so many things and that includes kilts.

[plaid preacher]

I think I'm safe! I wear the Lamont tartan - my grandmother was a Lamont. The Clan Lamont has not had a clan chief resident in Scotland since the early part of the 1800s. So I live in Scotland, just like my clan chief does.

[derosa]

The Scots do a very serious look on first meeting anyway, the open faced smiles style at first meeting are not what Scots do on the whole, particularly when doing the tongue in cheek bit! Sometimes it is true, as OCR has recounted, some Scots are actually not impressed with outsiders wearing the kilt and make it very plain that they aren't, but most of that ilk just hold their council.

I will keep this in mind should it happen again, I'm one of those that is usually smiling even when it seems for no good reason and hardly ever look serious even when I am.

[bodgerac]

Returning to my table in my local pub with full glasses, a woman sitting with her husband and small dog commented about my accent not exactly matching with the kilt. Well, if "The Simpsons" ever need a voice-over for Captain McAlister, then I would fit quite well. I smiled and said I wear it because I find it more comfortable than trousers. Building an argument, she replied that she found trousers more comfortable than a skirt. (No mention of "kilt" here). "That's alright for you", I said, amicably, "You don't have to worry about which side to "dress"." Her little dog then decided to see what strange secrets lurked up under the selvedge. The lady made some remark about her dog looking up my "skirt". I let that pass, again with a friendly smile, and politely excused myself. No problem, a polite exchange and a smile always works.

[Terry Searl]

Returning to my table in my local pub with full glasses, a woman sitting with her husband and small dog commented about my accent not exactly matching with the kilt. Well, if "The Simpsons" ever need a voice-over for Captain McAlister, then I would fit quite well. I smiled and said I wear it because I find it more comfortable than trousers. Building an argument, she replied that she found trousers more comfortable than a skirt. (No mention of "kilt" here). "That's alright for you", I said, amicably, "You don't have to worry about which side to "dress"." Her little dog then decided to see what strange secrets lurked up under the selvedge. The lady made some remark about her dog looking up my "skirt". I let that pass, again with a friendly smile, and politely excused myself. No problem, a polite exchange and a smile always works.

It has been my experience to receive far more compliments than negative remarks while wearing my kilts but I totally agree with you about a friendly smile.......smiles are enjoyed when freely given and I've been told a smile uses far less facial muscles that a frown or grumpy visage

[Dollander]

It has been my experience to receive far more compliments than negative remarks while wearing my kilts but I totally agree with you about a friendly smile.......smiles are enjoyed when freely given and I've been told a smile uses far less facial muscles that a frown or grumpy visage

There is another, less noble reason to remain pleasant. I wish I could remember who suggested it, but on the rare occasion someone snidely quips "Nice skirt," I simply reply with a non-sarcastic "Thanks." And it totally throws them. B-but...you're supposed to get all defensive and tell me that "It's not a skirt, it's a kilt!", so I can delight in causing you a moment of distress. But by responding positively, I can take delight in denying them that.

[Terry Searl]

There is another, less noble reason to remain pleasant. I wish I could remember who suggested it, but on the rare occasion someone snidely quips "Nice skirt," I simply reply with a non-sarcastic "Thanks." And it totally throws them. B-but...you're supposed to get all defensive and tell me that "It's not a skirt, it's a kilt!", so I can delight in causing you a moment of distress. But by responding positively, I can take delight in denying them that.

I can understand and agree with your sentiments ...... but I have never enjoyed ignorance.....and have very seldom responded to it.......I am very hard of hearing and so to most comments about my kilt I just smile and think the comments are positive......even the rude buggers can't fathom that...... I think,....... but I don't give them time for rebuttle

[pushka]

I can't remember what the first comments were - I've been wearing my kilt at least once a week, wearing it everywhere, about 6 months

one time a drunk Scottish guy was yelling at me across the street standing in front of a bar me and some friends were about to enter, he was saying you're supposed to wear the tartan of your father's surname or something~?

I visited the church I grew up in (visiting for the first time in ages) - Polish/ Czech/ Slovakian church, and didn't know what they'd all say about the kilt @__@,. had a few people asking where my bag-pipes are n__n hehehe~

Got a passing "Sporrans Ablaze~" and thumbs-up a few times~