1. The Question:
" If I told you it may very well cheapen us both"

2. Why the Kilt ?
" My overalls are at the dry cleaners"
" The dog at my Liederhosen (sp?)"
" It's not a kilt! It's a skirt and that's who I AM!!!!"
(that last one usually catches them WAAAY off guard)

3. R U Scottish ?
"No, I am running from the Argentine Secret Police. The kilt confuses them"

4. bagpipes?
"No, I work in stabbing and slashing. Piping is another department entirely"

5. Scottish event?
"No, I am a corporate spy. The kilt makes everyone think I am just passing through, headed to the highland games or a wedding"

Why get irritated?

I don't really have to be irritated to respond to boorishness by handing it back to them in spades. It is simply poor manners to walk up to strangers and challenge them on their wardrobe. I don't have to be Scottish, I don't have to be playing pipes, There doesn't have to be an event, and they are allowed to mind their business and or employ a modicum of social grace.

No one would stop them from learning some manners and initiating the conversation with a compliment instead of an inquiry or rude challenge. If somebody walks up and says "Nice outfit/kilt" then the conversation having started on a civil note usually continues that way.

I think Derek did great! I drove taxi in Atlantic City N.J. for a few years. They wear everything and anything. Never, Never did I question a PAYING CUSTOMER on their wardrobe choice. To do so is brain dead cab driving. That idiot may as well be transporting cabbages on a truck. Cab driving requires people skills.