what else could I say??

[Panache]

Life is seldom ideal.

With Kilts there comes "The Question".

Is it appropriate to ask someone?

No.

Is it rude?

Obviously.

But it is part of wearing a kilt.

The odd thing about humor is that it is often rude and inappropriate.

Sooner or later we all get "The Question".* How you deal with it says much about who you are and the world you want to live in.

Perhaps it is just me but I would rather add a small measure of mirth to this world than offense. If the question is offered in good humor then I will provide a reasonably obscure answer. My favorite is

"There is so little mystery left in this world, I'd prefer to maintain this one"

I have had so many pleasant interactions over the last year that I would not have had if I hadn't been wearing a kilt. If the price for all these good interactions is being asked "The Question" every now and again, then it is a small price to pay. For those unsatisfied with my answer and who pursue further they will find that their rudeness goes unrewarded. I will ignore them. But I will remain a gentlemen and leave with my dignity intact. I will not be rude.

Just my personal take on this.

Jamie



* except Grant.

[ChromeScholar]

I think I'd handle it by telling them what I was wearing under my kilt, including brand, color, style, size, where I bought them, how much I paid, what the weather was like that day, how I was feeling, why I chose to buy them, how I like them, what my other choices were, what medical problems I have that they may have caused/helped, and on and on, endlessly. Eventually, when their eyes glaze over, I'll let them go on their way.

[macwilkin]

Honestly, I don't understand why people get offended when asked this question. Now, I know every situation is different, but I would first assume that if I was asked "What do you wear under that?", the person asking the question isn't asking what I, personally, am wearing under my kilt, but is actually meaning "What does one wear under the kilt as opposed to pants?" And honestly, is that not a valid question?

Oh, I know most people probably ask because they've "heard" what's not worn under the kilt, but they probably just want to know the truth of the matter. Perhaps they think that's there's a special garment to wear under the kilt, or what is more widely worn, possibly due to comfort or what not.

I would try to explain that traditionally, nothing was worn underneath, but really it's to person and what they find most comfortable. If I was asked directly as to what I was wearing. Depending on the situation I was would probably say something like "Sock and shoes", "I prefer to go regimental," "That's a bit personal, isn't it?" with a smile. Honestly, I don't any reason to rude unles the person is being rude to your first.

I think if we fire back something in anger we're doing a lot more harm than necessary.

Exactly. To quote President Theodore Roosevelt:

"Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage."

You only get one chance to make a first impression; I would much rather mine be of an educator, as Grant described, then of being rude.

Regards,

Todd

[Panache]

Bob,

I'm writing as a member not a Mod here.

We all react differently to different things. What I was trying to advocate is that kilts (as with everything else) come with their own pluses and minuses.
"The Question" is a minus.* It's a pretty silly minus at that. But even this minus can have a plus if you play your cards right and keep a bit of a sense of humor.

Cheers

Jamie

Panache
You must know this women personally if you know for sure she wears silk thongs what ever the color.
She looked more like the mens boxers
Sorry if I have ofended you.
Bob

* Except to Grant, but that's only because he still waiting to be finally asked.

[ChromeScholar]

I always go for insa..., err, "eccentric". If they think you're crazy, they leave you alone.

[BEEDEE]

ZING!! Nicely handled.

Brian

[cavscout]

Courtesy is the BEST option. Are their times to blast away at someone? Sure but usually, a little humor leaves everyone with a positive image of the kilt and each other.

Few things annoy me more than someone who takes them self too seriously. Kilted or not, we all have something about ourselves that, I don't care who you are, but that's funny

[Pikeman]

Oh the missed opportunities in life!

She could have looked you straight in the face and said

"Goodness gracious I would never had thought that Scotsmen wear pink silk thong underwear with sequinned embroidered hearts and black lace! I'll never think about Sean Connery in the same way again!"

Cheers

Jamie

Jamie,

Thanks for the warning!

[James MacMillan]

I have ceased to be amazed, angered or even amused by "the question."

To women, I like - "Let's go over there and compare."

To men, I like - "Want to check?"

But the best is probably, just a look and say nothing.

[Archangel]

Honestly, I don't understand why people get offended when asked this question. Now, I know every situation is different, but I would first assume that if I was asked "What do you wear under that?", the person asking the question isn't asking what I, personally, am wearing under my kilt, but is actually meaning "What does one wear under the kilt as opposed to pants?" And honestly, is that not a valid question?

Oh, I know most people probably ask because they've "heard" what's not worn under the kilt, but they probably just want to know the truth of the matter. Perhaps they think that's there's a special garment to wear under the kilt, or what is more widely worn, possibly due to comfort or what not.

I would try to explain that traditionally, nothing was worn underneath, but really it's to person and what they find most comfortable. If I was asked directly as to what I was wearing. Depending on the situation I was would probably say something like "Sock and shoes", "I prefer to go regimental," "That's a bit personal, isn't it?" with a smile. Honestly, I don't any reason to rude unles the person is being rude to your first.

I guess I have a bit of a disagreement here. From your first paragraph, I start from the premise that asking anyone about their underwear, or lack of, is not a valid question.

I remember as a child my mother showing me the mail order catalogue (way back, way, way back), and turning to the size chart page where there were drawings of people in their basic underwear. She said that nobody but a doctor was allowed to touch, look or ask about the area that covered. In all my years I have come across no reason to disagree with that teaching (well, until my late teens anyway).

Generally, I am polite, because I'm a nice guy, but I start from the premise that it is a rude question. They don't have a right to know, they don't have a right to ask. So, depending on the context, they could get any range of answer and on this my conscience is clear.