Kilt / Cilt: What is the Difference?

[Kent Frazier]

I tried searching, but I didn't find anything...

Other than spelling and/or pronunciation, what is the difference between a Kilt, and a Welsh or Irish Cilt? Are they structurally different or is it just different tartans?

As an example, would my SWK Saffron kilt be more correctly called an Irish Cilt?

Thanks,

Kent

[Paul Henry]

the bottom line, ... there isn't a difference, Welsh Kilts are sometimes called "cilts" just because the language doesn't have a "k" in it.
Remember though that Welsh tartans are very recent, and there are very few references to a true historic "welsh " kilt.
I'd stick to the use of Kilt!!

[Highland Logan]

Remember though that Welsh tartans are very recent, and there are very few references to a true historic "welsh " kilt.
I'd stick to the use of Kilt!!

I would like to see Matt step in on this thread. He has written on the recent re-invention of the kilt as "pan-celtic" garment.

Frank

[beloitpiper]

They're all the same, except the Welsh spell it with a 'C' instead of a 'K'. That's it.

[Derek]

Its just the way in which it is spelt in welsh.
Iechyd Da
Derek

[Kent Frazier]

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping that would be the case.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Generally speaking the letter "K" doesn't occur in the Gaelic language. Hence knock, meaning hill, is properly spelled "cnoc". Knap (as in Knapdale) is cnap, and kilt is cilt. Now if one was writing exclusively in Gaelic, then the "C" version of the word would be correct. However, if one is writing in English proper usage would be the "K" version-- the "C" version being a rather precious affectation. Undoubtedly there will be some on this forum who disagree for linguistic, or nationalistic reasons, or just because they are bloody minded about it. All of which is fine. But it does not change the conventions of the use of foreign words in the English language.

[Makeitstop]

One is the normal way to spell kilt. The other seems to exist only to cause me to double check, and make sure I read it right.

[sydnie7]

Generally speaking the letter "K" doesn't occur in the Gaelic language. Hence knock, meaning hill, is properly spelled "cnoc". Knap (as in Knapdale) is cnap, and kilt is cilt. Now if one was writing exclusively in Gaelic, then the "C" version of the word would be correct. However, if one is writing in English proper usage would be the "K" version-- the "C" version being a rather precious affectation. Undoubtedly there will be some on this forum who disagree for linguistic, or nationalistic reasons, or just because they are bloody minded about it. All of which is fine. But it does not change the conventions of the use of foreign words in the English language.

So are we all really here to honor Keltic traditions?

Sorry, just being "bloody minded" which bigdad1 will attest is a habit of mine. However, it does remind me of a conversation with a friend -- born in Scotland, near Loch Rannoch IIRC, whose family emigrated when he was 8ish and is now early 60s. He always pronounces it "seltic" and thinks the "keltic" pronunciation is a "rather precious affectation." And so it goes. . .

[McClef]

Besides the spelling there can be differences such as Cilts having a hem rather than a selvedge and also are more likely to have the St David's Cross and/or the Red Dragon of Wales embroidered on them.