Kilt / Cilt: What is the Difference?

[sydnie7]

Generally speaking the letter "K" doesn't occur in the Gaelic language. Hence knock, meaning hill, is properly spelled "cnoc". Knap (as in Knapdale) is cnap, and kilt is cilt. Now if one was writing exclusively in Gaelic, then the "C" version of the word would be correct. However, if one is writing in English proper usage would be the "K" version-- the "C" version being a rather precious affectation. Undoubtedly there will be some on this forum who disagree for linguistic, or nationalistic reasons, or just because they are bloody minded about it. All of which is fine. But it does not change the conventions of the use of foreign words in the English language.

So are we all really here to honor Keltic traditions?

Sorry, just being "bloody minded" which bigdad1 will attest is a habit of mine. However, it does remind me of a conversation with a friend -- born in Scotland, near Loch Rannoch IIRC, whose family emigrated when he was 8ish and is now early 60s. He always pronounces it "seltic" and thinks the "keltic" pronunciation is a "rather precious affectation." And so it goes. . .

[McClef]

Besides the spelling there can be differences such as Cilts having a hem rather than a selvedge and also are more likely to have the St David's Cross and/or the Red Dragon of Wales embroidered on them.