What does the kilt mean in 2010?

[Tartan Hiker]

A kilt, as Alastair Scott, author of Scot Free, discovered when he travelled the globe in one, opens doors, gets you lifts and interest-free loans, makes you friends. Wear a kilt and you will never be lonely – or hungry or sober – for long. Which, when you come to think of it, is not bad for a mere £24.99.

LOL!

It's not even bad for £300!

[O'Callaghan]

Phil, I think over the last few years we have discussed more than once the potential reception of a denim and their like, kilt in Glasgow. It is interesting that others, probably more in the know than you and me, are of the same opinion.

It's a while since I was there, but you'd only to accidentally look someone in the eye to risk a beating. No, a denim kilt wouldn't help. That's for sure.

I was on another forum when the subject of Glasgow neds came up, and had almost become convinced that the violence there had abated, until it was let slip that they had changed from knives and razors to sawn-off golf clubs. That was hailed as an improvement?

[CMcG]

Very interesting article and I learned (thanks to Google) that "ned" stands for "non educated delinquent."

The attitudes expressed by Craig Halley is sad but telling of what detractors of the kilt as everyday wear think:

"Even fashionable Craig, in thick, black Ray-Ban-style glasses, is not convinced by the “fashionable” take on the kilt. “I see the kilt as a formalwear thing,” he says. “I think any man wearing a kilt, traditional or modern, during the day looks a bit silly.”"

[beloitpiper]

Excellent article! Long, but worth a read.

[Phil]

Very interesting article and I learned (thanks to Google) that "ned" stands for "non educated delinquent."

The attitudes expressed by Craig Halley is sad but telling of what detractors of the kilt as everyday wear think:

"Even fashionable Craig, in thick, black Ray-Ban-style glasses, is not convinced by the “fashionable” take on the kilt. “I see the kilt as a formalwear thing,” he says. “I think any man wearing a kilt, traditional or modern, during the day looks a bit silly.”"

I did say it was fairly typical of Scots peoples' attitude to kilt wearing which always comes as a surprise to non-Scots used to certain stereotypes. And by the way "ned" is a variation of "ted" which is a contraction of "teddy" a familiar form of the name "Edward" as in Ted Kennedy or the Australian Ned Kelly for example. It actually refers to a type of teenage or young adult delinquent, prevalent in Britain in the early 1950's whose appearance resembled the style of the Edwardian era, Elvis-style hairstyles, long jackets with velvet collars, narrow drainpipe trousers and shoes with thick crepe soles and who became known as "Teddy boys" as a result. Later sometimes contracted to "ned or neds". Not everything you find via Google is just what it seems.

[CMcG]

Very interesting, thanks Phil for providing the etymology and context of "ned!"

When you say that this article is fairly typical of Scots peoples' attitude to kilt wearing, how pervasive is that? Across age, gender, location, and class?

[Phil]

Very interesting, thanks Phil for providing the etymology and context of "ned!"

When you say that this article is fairly typical of Scots peoples' attitude to kilt wearing, how pervasive is that? Across age, gender, location, and class?

Very pervasive I would say. I thought the comment about the crofter and his overalls so typical. Highland dress is regarded very much as "dressing up" clothes or "sunday best" for going to church. Apart from busking pipers, occasional tourist guides and kilt shop employees it is not seen as everyday dress, much as going to the shops in a tuxedo would be seen as a bit strange. Lots of people wear it when going to International football and rugby matches (I stress International as it is less likely at local league games) but otherwise it will be to weddings and some other social occasions.

[GG]

Could you think of a Proctor & Gamble man being quoted in a newspaper or on television as saying: “Don’t wash your clothes so often, it is rather silly”?

Or a Coca-Cola guy stating that to his opinion Coke should only be consumed on Sundays.

Of course you couldn’t. And if that ever happened, the people in question should be fired the first thing next morning. And with good reasons.

I know, or rather, till today I knew of no producers or marketers of any products who are not always trying to sell more of them. One of the most obvious ways is to convince customers to increase usage areas as well as frequency.

But then this: “I think any man wearing a kilt, traditional or modern, during the day looks a bit silly.” (The Herald Scotland, What does the kilt mean in 2010, 25 Jan 2010).

The man who is quoted for saying so, Craig, cannot be fired, because he is the co owner of Slanj Kilts with branches in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. But to me it is a rather stupid and quite unforgivable remark, nevertheless.

The main problem is not that he harms his own business but the whole kilt making business, should any take his opinion serious.

Otherwise wise words come from Howie Nicholsby, “I wear a kilt every day as it was meant to be worn, as an everyday piece of clothing.

So, should I be in the market for a high quality kilt I know where I should look or at least where by no means.

Greg

PS. I regret that I’m no longer teaching (marketing strategy). This Slanj story would be a splendid example on what NOT to say and I should be using it again and again.

PPS. Having looked at the Slanj website it may not be so stupid, after all. They are introducing the Slanj Kilt Hire – and then it makes much more sense (to them) – provided that is where they see their only future.

[Jock Scot]

Very pervasive I would say. I thought the comment about the crofter and his overalls so typical. Highland dress is regarded very much as "dressing up" clothes or "sunday best" for going to church. Apart from busking pipers, occasional tourist guides and kilt shop employees it is not seen as everyday dress, much as going to the shops in a tuxedo would be seen as a bit strange. Lots of people wear it when going to International football and rugby matches (I stress International as it is less likely at local league games) but otherwise it will be to weddings and some other social occasions.

Yes I would agree with most of that Phil, although I am not a church goer, I think the kilt is rarely worn to a Sunday service either.

[Phil]

Yes I would agree with most of that Phil, although I am not a church goer, I think the kilt is rarely worn to a Sunday service either.

Perhaps I should have said church on a Communion Sunday and then mostly by the Elders. As you say, it is less usual to see it worn on other Sundays. GG - whether you agree with Craig from Slanj or not, he is simply stating the facts as they relate to the majority of Scots which, after all, is what the article is about. Howie Nicholsby is very much in the minority. I know this comes as an unwelcome revelation to many who have an image of the stereotypical Scot, clad in tartan from head to toe, striding through heather-clad glens giving it laldy on the bagpipes. But it just isn't true.