I'm not Scottish

[hospitaller]

This is somewhat of a personal pet peeve...the use of 'i'm Scottish' by people who obviously are not Scottish.

Being Scottish is like being German or being Chilean or being a US Citizen. You either are born there or you become one.

Currently I am Chilean, but when my citizenship finally comes through, I will be a US Citizen (an 'American'), but I still am not Scottish.

My grandma was Scottish so I guess that makes me 25% Scot.

I have minor Spanish (Spain) nobility blood in my ancestry, yet I am not Spanish and certainly I am not a noble.

I also have Russian and German blood in my ancestry, yet I am not Russian or German.

I am of Scottish heritage, and I have Scottish ancestry. Just as I am of Spanish, German and Russian ancestry.

Just something to consider when answering that question.

Just as we look down on people claiming to be something they are not, or claiming to be of a nationality they obviously are not of, we should remember that we are not Scottish, we do however have Scottish blood and that is just as good.

Just had to get it off my chest.

[beloitpiper]

I see your point, but let me clarify why I say that. I say "I am Scottish" in America, because everybody knows that I'm American, they want to know if I have Scottish ancestry. In the US, it's just easier to say "I am Scottish" than "I have ancestors who were Scottish". If I ask somebody "if they're Scottish", I know they're American, I want to know if they have Scottish heritage.

Now, when I'm abroad, I clarify like that, because they don't already know that I am American. Like when I'm in Ireland, people will ask me if I'm Irish and I reply "I'm American, but have Irish ancestry".

[Jack Daw]

I see your point, but let me clarify why I say that. I say "I am Scottish" in America, because everybody knows that I'm American, they want to know if I have Scottish ancestry. In the US, it's just easier to say "I am Scottish" than "I have ancestors who were Scottish". If I ask somebody "if they're Scottish", I know they're American, I want to know if they have Scottish heritage.

Now, when I'm abroad, I clarify like that, because they don't already know that I am American. Like when I'm in Ireland, people will ask me if I'm Irish and I reply "I'm American, but have Irish ancestry".

Nail on the head. Well done.

[Galb]

I see your point, but let me clarify why I say that. I say "I am Scottish" in America, because everybody knows that I'm American, they want to know if I have Scottish ancestry. In the US, it's just easier to say "I am Scottish" than "I have ancestors who were Scottish". If I ask somebody "if they're Scottish", I know they're American, I want to know if they have Scottish heritage.

Now, when I'm abroad, I clarify like that, because they don't already know that I am American. Like when I'm in Ireland, people will ask me if I'm Irish and I reply "I'm American, but have Irish ancestry".

I was about to respond, and this pretty much summed it up.

Another reply I like to use, especially when people ask if I was born in Scotland is "I was made in America with Scottish Parts." They get a kick out of it and it answers all their questions.

I'm a dandelion.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Thanks, I now need a towel for my keyboard as it has been showered with tea.

[Friday]

I see your point, but let me clarify why I say that. I say "I am Scottish" in America, because everybody knows that I'm American, they want to know if I have Scottish ancestry. In the US, it's just easier to say "I am Scottish" than "I have ancestors who were Scottish". If I ask somebody "if they're Scottish", I know they're American, I want to know if they have Scottish heritage.

Now, when I'm abroad, I clarify like that, because they don't already know that I am American. Like when I'm in Ireland, people will ask me if I'm Irish and I reply "I'm American, but have Irish ancestry".

I understand beloitpiper's point of view and don't disagree but have a different perspective. I live in the Washington D.C. Metro area. With all the diplomats, multi-National companies and tourist you don't know who you are talking to. The person I meet may speak American English then I do, even though I was born here. So saying "I'm Scottish" may not imply to the person I'm talking to that I am an American of Scottish ancestery but that I am a tourist like they are from Scotland.

So if asked I say that I'm of Scottish ancestry and I drink Scotch if they are buying.

[Bugbear]

All Right, I'm not German either. I don't... think of myself as a jelly roll nor a strudle for that matter.

[Derek Conley]

Both well-written points.

[Bugbear]

I'm a dandelion.

[ChattanCat]

I'm a dandelion.

I had a good laugh!

[george7]

I'm a dandelion.

I certainly understand that you mean to say that you are of dandelion heritage.