Quote Originally Posted by Jock Scot View Post
I note what Sir William said in his original post,but I wonder if there is some minor trans-Atlantic confusion? Three,perhaps it is four, of the UK members that have posted on this thread, regard a ceilidh as a rather informal bash/dance and are all pretty much agreed(amazingly!) that the dress is pretty informal. On the other hand you chaps across the pond seem to have a different definition of what a ceilidh is. Am I wrong? Also it seems to me, that you chaps over there want to be more formally attired as well? Nothing wrong with that! Just an observation.
Jock, I think that you are quite right. Moreover, the confusion may be even more complex than you just pointed out. Many of the folks on this side of the pond that have thus far responded may be a bit more formal in their attire than many of us. I expect that normally, the formal/casual scale would typically tip formal towards the UK side. Perhaps that is just my impression though?

I have for some time expected that the definition of 'casual' is not the same in everyone's mind. For example, I recall a post some time ago asking for advice on where to find a 'casual' jacket. I believe that the fellow had in mind something like a denim or leather jacket that would go well with a kilt. Instead, he got advice on a tweed day wear Crail. Is a Crail casual? I guess it is in the same way that a sports coat is casual, but not in the same way that jeans and a tee shirt are casual.