Why Do Some Take Such Offense...

[flyrod6057]

For what it's worth...there IS a difference between a skirt and a kilt. While they are very similar in construction (technically, they're made the same way) there are significant differences.

A skirt is a woman's garment. It's made for a woman's shape. Skirts flare at the bottom and are often pleated all the way around. They range in length from ankle length to awesomely short. The kilt is a lot more precise. When speaking of a traditional Scottish kilt, they are:

-pleated only on back
-have an unpleated apron in front
-do not flare, but drop straight down from the hips
-are knee length
-are made from wool tartan
-are worn by men

There are more 'modern' interpretations of the kilt that take some liberties with the construction of a traditional kilt, but they are essentially similar in construction and wear. Calling a kilt a skirt is no more accurate than calling a skirt a dress, or calling sandals shoes.

Having said all that, I just had a conversation with a local kiltmaker where I referred to my kilt as a skirt in a humorous tone. It made sense in context... (Not that a kiltmaker needs educating as to the differences between a kilt and a skirt...)

In my experience, guys usually just stare. Comments usually come from friends or recent "pub acquaintances." Girls, however, almost always like a kilted man. That's reason enough to put up with any potential ribbing. Some lassies will even pose "the question" which inevitably leads to an interesting exchange. And when all else fails, I simply remind anyone who cares to inquire: "The kilt is a warrior's garment!"

[xman]

When speaking of a traditional Scottish kilt, they are:
...
-are worn by men

Or female pipers/drummers/athletes ... that bit is a little incorrect.

Calling a kilt a skirt is no more accurate than calling a skirt a dress, or calling sandals shoes.

I think it's more accurate to say a kilt is a skirt in the same way that capris are pants. If you look for a dictionary definition of a kilt I'm pretty sure you'll always run into it described as a type of skirt.