The Other Question

[Eujeankilt]

I was at a computer conference and a winsome lass with a british accent said "nice skirt". I said - "thanks, it's a kilt". I could tell she was complimenting me, so in hindsight and in practice I always just say thanks. If they are being cutesy, I still say thanks. The look on their faces is priceless.


Dale

[Lachlan09]

"Actually, it's a kilt. If I were wearing something under it, then it would be a skirt."

Hah-hah not if it's an Essex-Girl !

[ForresterModern]

None of that works when its your wife, and she is complaining about the fact that you enjoy wearing a kilt, with comments in mixed company about how there are more skirts on your side of the closet than hers.

But that topic has been covered in other threads.

For anybody else I simply correct them and politely move on. They either apologize or move on, except that occasional smart alec you may have to deal with or put up with.

[Jimmy]

Even in Scotland this happens often, I have a few mates who never refer to my kilt as a kilt but always a skirt, I think they love to send me up even although they have all worn a kilt at times.
If wearing my solid black or leather then it can be quite common with people saying it is a skirt but it does not really bother me as I enjoy the opportunity to get kilted.

[Iain Robb]

I think the key consideration, in a case like this, is the intent of the person making the comment. You can't always tell, and I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt, so if it seems to be a compliment and I cannot tell, my response is along the lines of "Thanks! It's called a kilt."

But if they're clearly being immature little jerks, my favorite response is a even-toned, friendly, smiling, "Thank you. And what's great is, tomorrow I can wear a different kilt, or a pair of pants, but you're stuck with that face."

If you're nice, it usually takes them a minute or two to realize they've been insulted.

[Lachlan09]

None of that works when its your wife, and she is complaining about the fact that you enjoy wearing a kilt, with comments in mixed company about how there are more skirts on your side of the closet than hers.

But that topic has been covered in other threads.

For anybody else I simply correct them and politely move on. They either apologize or move on, except that occasional smart alec you may have to deal with or put up with.

Or else kick them in the Trossachs !!

[Jack Daw]

"I got my kilt at ___." And, leave it at that, if she doesn't know you and asked innocently.

But, I have an obnoxious female colleague who is constantly calling it a skirt to needle me on purpose. For her, I never answer her "skirt" questions and always correct her by saying, "It's a kilt."

[billmcc]

If someone with a bad attitude uses the word skirt, you can reply with "Intelligent people call it a kilt".

[crboltz]

One of my co-workers (who was raised in China) can never remember the word "kilt" and frequently compliments my "skirts". Since I know he is being sincere, and just not remembering the right word (English is his THIRD language), I graciously say thank you. The neat thing is, for big events I wear my kilt, PC etc. and he wears a fabulous kimono (if that is the right term)... we are like our own little "diversity" statistic.

Chris

[Skipper1]

Many thanks to all. I must admit, she caught me off guard and I was a bit testy. I generally try to give people the benefit of the doubt. It seems that is the path most of you out there also take.

I think Big Mike's reply is my favourite - I think it could be used just about anywhere if it was said with humour and lead to a good laugh.