The Other Question

[Skipper1]

So I need some advice. The other day I hobbled into the bank to set the pin on my new bank card (yes I am still on crutches), and a lady asked me the other question - "Oh I love your skirt, where did you get it?"

I must admit, while I am fully ready to deliver a sparkling and witty rejoinder to the usual "what's under there?" or variation on same, I was completely taken aback regarding skirt questions. All I had was a general feeling that my manhood had been somehow questioned and a mumbled, "It's a Kilt." to lob back at her. We both left the bank feeling abit disgruntled.

Any suggestions on a better response - one that would be funny, yet still get the point across.

[ccga3359]

Hitting her with your crutch out of the question?


"It's a called a kilt, why?"

"Because that's what happened to the last fella that called it a skirt!"

[KD Burke]

I've had to deal with this myself. One good friend insists on referring to my kilt as "your little skirty." It's a testament to my basic decency as a human being that the woman still draws breath!

I'm afraid it's a matter of people using the vocabulary they are most comfortable with. Few of us would say "straight peen caulking mallet" when "hammer" would serve, even if the former were more technically correct.

So, since a kilt is a type of skirt, which no one can deny, I thank them politely and do my best to answer their polite inquiries.

KD

[piperdbh]

You could tell her you got it out of your closet. That should make her wonder. But, if this woman has access to your bank accounts, you might want to rethink it.

[NewGuise]

I was asked that question in almost exactly the same way: "Nice skirt. Where'd you get it?" I was in a bar at the time, surrounded by gay men, so "in my closet" would have been a fine answer. But I just told him where the kilt had been made (Burnetts & Struth, in that particular case). He said that he might have to order one, then asked about the tartan (Maple Leaf), and whether they had a variety of clan tartans as well.

Taking his comment as an insult might have prevented a fine conversation...

[ChattanCat]

I'd go with the scholarly approach: "Why, it's a kilt and thank you. I got it from Rock at USA Kilts!"

[RockyR]

How about...

Skirt?! I thought I was wearing a kilt!

[Big Mikey]

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

[SteveB]

The lass may or may not know what a kilt is. I have been asked similar questions, and rather than get upset, or take it as degrading, I prefer to politely answer the question. " This is a custom made kilt sewn by Rocky at USA Kilts of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. The tartan is MacNeil, thank you for asking." or similar description of the garment and the vendor I purchased it from. Usually, I get a slight stammer if they actually meant kilt and said skirt, or why is it called a kilt? I have had many conversations that have taken the skirt to an educational opportunity for the person asking. The other plus is that by answering in this manner, the ones that think they are belittling you, are instead finding themselves belittled by their own actions. I even try this on the well intoxicated crowd that are on the trains after closing time, with very good success.

[ChubRock]

I like Big Mikey's response. That is my go to when called a skirt.

You can also say, "Thank you, but it's a Scottish kilt" I think by giving it a nationality it will likely bring out the PC in someone to not take it further.