Quote Originally Posted by O'Callaghan View Post
Not everyone calling a kilt a skirt has the same intent, and it is foolish to get upset by someone who never intended to offend you.
Too, true. I experienced this just last weekend while wearing a modern kilt (tan got kilt?) and some taupe Vibram FiveFinger Sprints. As my wife and I were exiting a winery, a woman coming in commented on my outfit. The next several seconds went something like this:

Her: "Nice skirt."
Me: "Thanks. Do you like kilts?"
Before she could reply to my query, she noticed my FiveFingers, "It's those shoes. Where are you from?"
Me: "Near Chicago."
Her: "That's hip."

As there was more traffic in both directions, we had to keep moving and the conversation ended as quickly as it began. I've never been called hip before, but her comment certainly did not come across as negative. Some people just may not know or think of the correct term right away. They may settle on the generic term without it being pejorative. In most cases, it may be safe to assume the comment is not negative. No harm is done by trying to remain pleasant. If a person really wants to give insult, they will further clarify their intent.