Excuse my ignorance

[Rex_Tremende]

Here is the link to the FAQ page
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...q#faq_faq_abbr

A 'TANK' is defined as an eight-yard, wool, hand-sewn, traditional kilt. ie., "It's built like a tank." (coined by Jimmy Carbomb c.2005)

I personally do not like the term, and therefore rarely use it, it has however become the norm on this and other kilt forums.

Language defines a community. Given that we discuss here a wide variety of kilts, it's a convenient shorthand to say what you mean. 8YWHSTK is unpronounceable and hard to type. I don't use it outside of this forum,except when speaking to other members in person, but here it has saved me a lot of awkward typing.

I believe it also spares us a lot of arguing. Some would ask why a kilt needs so many qualifiers, since a kilt is a kilt, that is to say an eight-yard, wool, hand-sewn, traditional kilt, and everything else is... not a kilt. I feel that because it has a very specific meaning here, the term allows us to agree to disagree - except when we discuss whether "tank" is a term of veneration or disparagement.

Regards,
Rex.

[ForresterModern]

And although the classic definition is of a "handsewn" kilt many comparable (I may get some arguments here about comparability) machine sewn kilts get referred to as tanks as well, and occasionally some 13oz (rather than 16 or 18 oz wool) 8 yarders get dubbed with the term as well.

Personally I equate the term in these looser terms as I believe a quality machine sewn heavyweight 8 yard wool kilt of Scottish (or other UK wool tartan) will wear roughly equally well, and is virtualy indistiguishable (except from a closeup viewing and dissection) from a "true tank", although the 13 oz ones may demonstrate a wee bit less kilt swish, handmade or no.

[Paul]

I think it's simply a handsewn 8 yard, 16oz kilt.

[vipermcgee]

OK. See both camps clearly. As a newbie, and owner of a 5yd phillabeg, think I'll pitch my tent in the middle. I don't see the term as an insult to the quality or artistry involved in an 8yd kilt, but I don't expect to use the term myself soon either. I do hope to buy a nice 8yd kilt sometime, but it took me 2 years to save enough for the phillabeg, so I imagine this will take a little while.

On the other hand, are there any other terms, regardless of how they are percieved, that may be used as nicknames for other kilts or related items on this site and are not included in the faq?
I like to understand what everyone is posting about when I read the theads.

[ForresterModern]

Just as you have done here if you do not understand a term or an acronym please speak up and ask. Asking and getting the answer may get you brief moments of feeling ignorant----not asking leads to a lifetime of that same ignorance.

Not that I think anybody is ignorant, maybe slightly less well informed would be a better terminology.

[vipermcgee]

Asking and getting the answer may get you brief moments of feeling ignorant----not asking leads to a lifetime of that same ignorance.

I've said the same thing to new EMTs that I have oriented.

[Scotus]

You may mark me down as one who also dislikes the use of the term. With the care it takes to sew such a garment, "tank" is hardly a proper discription.

[The Guy in the Kilt at UC]

You may mark me down as one who also dislikes the use of the term. With the care it takes to sew such a garment, "tank" is hardly a proper discription.

Perhaps I'm missing the meaning. How is the term tank negative when speaking of the hand sewn kilt?

[acolander]

May as well toss in my tuppence for what it's worth..

I've always associated the term as being namely a referrence for military kilts due to their weight (the 18oz & older 20/22oz weigh nearly 4lbs or more), and both the durability of the material and construction to withstand the rigours of military life and essentially wear like iron, or a tank.. ie, "It's as heavy as.." or "built like.."

As "tank" in this instance is namely a military referrence, I have always associated/used the term w/ military kilts solely.. As opposed to using it as a general referrence for any hand-stitched 16oz wool 8ydr+.. Which in my personal experience and opinion do not wear as hard nor as durable as a military kilt.

And with the higher military rise, one almost feels like they are riding in the tank's turret "un-buttoned" when wearing one.. ;)

Also, being a veteran I rather prefer the term "tank" in referrence to military kilts.