What does the kilt mean in 2010?

[Jock Scot]

I think it was only Howie Nichosby who said that. If nothing else that is one thing the two of you have in common! The comments of the Slanj people about wearing a kilt in daytime was quite revealing though - along with the one about wearing a denim kilt in Glasgow!

Phil, I think over the last few years we have discussed more than once the potential reception of a denim and their like, kilt in Glasgow. It is interesting that others, probably more in the know than you and me, are of the same opinion.

[O'Callaghan]

Phil, I think over the last few years we have discussed more than once the potential reception of a denim and their like, kilt in Glasgow. It is interesting that others, probably more in the know than you and me, are of the same opinion.

It's a while since I was there, but you'd only to accidentally look someone in the eye to risk a beating. No, a denim kilt wouldn't help. That's for sure.

I was on another forum when the subject of Glasgow neds came up, and had almost become convinced that the violence there had abated, until it was let slip that they had changed from knives and razors to sawn-off golf clubs. That was hailed as an improvement?

[CMcG]

Very interesting article and I learned (thanks to Google) that "ned" stands for "non educated delinquent."

The attitudes expressed by Craig Halley is sad but telling of what detractors of the kilt as everyday wear think:

"Even fashionable Craig, in thick, black Ray-Ban-style glasses, is not convinced by the “fashionable” take on the kilt. “I see the kilt as a formalwear thing,” he says. “I think any man wearing a kilt, traditional or modern, during the day looks a bit silly.”"

[Phil]

Very interesting article and I learned (thanks to Google) that "ned" stands for "non educated delinquent."

The attitudes expressed by Craig Halley is sad but telling of what detractors of the kilt as everyday wear think:

"Even fashionable Craig, in thick, black Ray-Ban-style glasses, is not convinced by the “fashionable” take on the kilt. “I see the kilt as a formalwear thing,” he says. “I think any man wearing a kilt, traditional or modern, during the day looks a bit silly.”"

I did say it was fairly typical of Scots peoples' attitude to kilt wearing which always comes as a surprise to non-Scots used to certain stereotypes. And by the way "ned" is a variation of "ted" which is a contraction of "teddy" a familiar form of the name "Edward" as in Ted Kennedy or the Australian Ned Kelly for example. It actually refers to a type of teenage or young adult delinquent, prevalent in Britain in the early 1950's whose appearance resembled the style of the Edwardian era, Elvis-style hairstyles, long jackets with velvet collars, narrow drainpipe trousers and shoes with thick crepe soles and who became known as "Teddy boys" as a result. Later sometimes contracted to "ned or neds". Not everything you find via Google is just what it seems.

[CMcG]

Very interesting, thanks Phil for providing the etymology and context of "ned!"

When you say that this article is fairly typical of Scots peoples' attitude to kilt wearing, how pervasive is that? Across age, gender, location, and class?

[Phil]

Very interesting, thanks Phil for providing the etymology and context of "ned!"

When you say that this article is fairly typical of Scots peoples' attitude to kilt wearing, how pervasive is that? Across age, gender, location, and class?

Very pervasive I would say. I thought the comment about the crofter and his overalls so typical. Highland dress is regarded very much as "dressing up" clothes or "sunday best" for going to church. Apart from busking pipers, occasional tourist guides and kilt shop employees it is not seen as everyday dress, much as going to the shops in a tuxedo would be seen as a bit strange. Lots of people wear it when going to International football and rugby matches (I stress International as it is less likely at local league games) but otherwise it will be to weddings and some other social occasions.

[Jock Scot]

Very pervasive I would say. I thought the comment about the crofter and his overalls so typical. Highland dress is regarded very much as "dressing up" clothes or "sunday best" for going to church. Apart from busking pipers, occasional tourist guides and kilt shop employees it is not seen as everyday dress, much as going to the shops in a tuxedo would be seen as a bit strange. Lots of people wear it when going to International football and rugby matches (I stress International as it is less likely at local league games) but otherwise it will be to weddings and some other social occasions.

Yes I would agree with most of that Phil, although I am not a church goer, I think the kilt is rarely worn to a Sunday service either.