Why-MUG?

[James]

Probably I missed some earlier debate on calling a kilt or similar male garment a MUG; but to me it is a most unfortunate choice!

For here in the United Kingdom a 'MUG' apart from being a variety of drinking vessel, is descriptive of someone who is not very bright, a dupe, maybe an idiot.

Certainly I for one would never in view of the above describe my kilt as a 'MUG', for it would be giving even the kindest of souls just too much ammunition-for unfortunate jokes, puns even.

Better by far if the question comes up to describe a kilt as a man's skirt: in fact it is the route I've taken when necessary all over Europe and the UK, and even as far away as Australia without any problems.

James

[Doc Hudson]

Here in the states, mug is slang for the face.

It is an unfortunate choice perhaps, but the acronym is easy to remember.
MUG = Man's (or Male) Unbifurcated Garment.

Personally, I prefer just calling it a kilt.

[Hamish]

Probably I missed some earlier debate on calling a kilt or similar male garment a MUG; but to me it is a most unfortunate choice!

For here in the United Kingdom a 'MUG' apart from being a variety of drinking vessel, is descriptive of someone who is not very bright, a dupe, maybe an idiot.

Certainly I for one would never in view of the above describe my kilt as a 'MUG', for it would be giving even the kindest of souls just too much ammunition-for unfortunate jokes, puns even.

Better by far if the question comes up to describe a kilt as a man's skirt: in fact it is the route I've taken when necessary all over Europe and the UK, and even as far away as Australia without any problems.

James

I absolutely agree with you, James. Personally, I have never (to my knowledge) used those initials and again, like you, refer to my men's skirts quite happily when necessary. Doing so has never posed problems for me or for those around me.

[Rigged]

Here in the States, a skirt is still considered a feminine garment. A male skirt doesn't even make sense over here, unless it's a guy cross-dressing. "Chasing skirts" is a term still often used to describe going after women for sex.

So, over here it's a bit different. Still, I don't take offense when I get the "nice skirt" comment. I usually just say "Thank you" and, if appropriate, compliment the person on something they're wearing. More often than not that leads to more conversation and clarification by both parties.

[Tim Walker]

Here in the states, mug is slang for the face.

It is an unfortunate choice perhaps, but the acronym is easy to remember.
MUG = Man's (or Male) Unbifurcated Garment.

Personally, I prefer just calling it a kilt.

"MUG" is an unforetunate acronymn. "Kilt" is fine for settings where other MUGs are seldom seen on the street, but certainly not appropriate when describing, for example, an Arab's robes.

[Rigged]

The way we use "MUG" makes it a new term and so we can make it mean whatever we choose by how we use it. New terms are invented all the time. It's how languages grow.

The robes that Arabs wear are unbifurcated garments for men as are kilts, sarongs, lava-lavas and many other such garments. How about we call them UGFORM.

Doh!

[Jerry]

I think, here in the US, the term came about because wearers of Kilts and other skirtlike garments made specifically for men, wanted to differentiate themselves from crossdressers. It became a term which is supposed to encompass all of the male unbifurcated garments.

[Burnout]

Regional differences in meanings can be funny / tricky things somethimes. For example, in N/A, the word "fag" used to mean cigarette, and "gay" used to mean happy. There are lots of examples worthy of another thread for sure. I never liked the "MUG" as I thought it strange that something should be refered to as "UN-bifurcated" that was never furcated in the first place. Mono-trouser would have been a more accurate description. We can quote dictionaries, technical references, historical documents, etc, but they don't change the fact that one hole is one hole. In my opinion, the term MUG was invented simply to de-sensitize and re-assure males that their masculinity is safe and secure despite the fact that, regardless of whatever type of one holer you wear or what you call it, it's still a type of skirt. And that doesn't bother me in the least.

[Rigged]

In my opinion, the term MUG was invented simply to de-sensitize and re-assure males that their masculinity is safe and secure despite the fact that, regardless of whatever type of one holer you wear or what you call it, it's still a type of skirt.

Also, I think the term MUG was invented to reassure friends, wives, other family members and co-workers that the wearer isn't trying to wear women's clothing.

[Alan H]

Ah, that's why Miz J.K. Rowling refers to non-magical people as "muggles" in her Harry Potter books.