Quote Originally Posted by jkdesq
Well, duck/drake, chicken/rooster? hmmmmm. Something that walks like a cow, mooes like a cow and grazes like a cow and is not a cow is of course a bull. A kilt can be very skirtlike and still not be a skirt. After all, I hope you agree that there are plenty of similarities and plenty of differences between a kilt and a skirt (ie. a woman's garment) just like there are similarities and difference between a cow and a bull.

"Skirt" is to "kilt", as "cow" is to "bull". Unfortunately, we have no overarching general word for these garments that would line up with "bovine". One possible theory.

Language is not science. Classifications? As far as I know, the only classifications of words are noun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, etc. other than that, we have alphabetical order. If there is some chart of the categories of words and a map to how they are subdivided, I would love to see it.

Still the question why. I know why I don't want people to view kilts as a kind of skirt. Why do you care so much to prove that they are? I am seriously curious why you care so much to prove this.
Very well. You asked the loaded and dangerous question, and I shall reply against my better judgment.

It is important to keep it as it is, as what etymology classifies it as, for acceptance.

If we were a skirtlike garment but refuse to call it skirtlike or a skirt, we live in denial. And others might see this, and make a lot more out of it than it really is. If we deny that it is a skirt, because of how the devious human mind words, observers might start asking themselves what other things are we in denial of. Oh. That man is wearing a skirt. But denies that it is a skirt. He's cross dressing but denies it. I wonder what else he is hiding?

Sound crazy? Yes. But people think this way.

Now, same situation, if a kilt wearer can acknowledge that it is indeed, a skirt, but one that is distinctly called a kilt, confidence and assurance is everything. There is no denial here, no dangling questions, nothing to lead on a train of thought. There is only confidence and a positive attitude. Which is more likely to invoke a "Hey, this man knows his beans, knows what people must be thinking about him, and obviously doesn't care. He has nothing to hide." train of thought.

Perception is everything. Denial, like it or not, will only lead to negative connotations. It answers nothing, and therefore leads those with questions to only ask more of them. Acceptance with firm reassurance and confidence "scratch the itch" and do more to satisfy those with inquisitive minds.