Some interesting thoughts gentlemen.

Personally I rarely find ambiguity in a 'nice skirt' remark. I almost always know if it is a genuine compliment, playful jest, a brainless drunken off-the-cuff remark, or a deliberate insult. I then know how to deal with it.

There is just too much information in the intonation, facial expression, and body language, to leave much room for ambiguity.

I do find a gender difference. Women don't have a hangup with the word 'skirt', and frequently enthuse over the idea of 'men in skirts' when they see my kilt. Men have a BIG hangup about the word 'skirt'. I don't recall ANY guy complimenting me on my 'skirt', but will compliment my 'kilt'.

But if a guy, or a girl, with a big warm smile, and a thumbs up, says 'nice skirt' to me -- I'll accept the compliment as graciously as it was given.

KP.