why call it "The Kilt"?

[Kilt-alope]

Just wondering why any kilt is referred to as the kilt instead of a kilt. The only other times I can think of clothing being called "the" anything is the (insert blank) uniform. I assume that's because it is a defined set of clothing and the only set that fits that definition. ex: the uniform of the day tomorrow is the class A uniform. On the other hand when I describe a piece of clothing, like the shirt with red stripes and blue buttons, but not really just the shirt. just to me hearing "the kilt" makes me think "there must only be 1" sometimes.
again, just curious here

[MacBean]

I've heard "speak the Gaelic" too, so "the kilt" isn't alone.

[Jordan]

I've heard "speak the Gaelic" too, so "the kilt" isn't alone.

I've heard it's the drink talking does that count?

[Nighthawk]

Good question. I always call mine "a kilt."

[Spartan Tartan]

I haven't noticed it to the degree that you seem to have. I refer to mine as "a kilt" or "my kilt". But not my "the kilt". Maybe it's a carryover from Gaelic or something...

Hopefully someone here can shed some light on the topic.

[Jordan]

"there can be only one!"

Where's that from, some film I think?

I can't say I've ever noticed a kilt being called The kilt before. When people ask me why I wear a kilt the usually use A not The but i can't say I've been paying that much attention before.

The only time i could think of off the top of my head would be the uniform for tomorrow is xyz

Could it just be an American thing?

[Tony]

"there can be only one!"

Where's that from, some film I think?

only the greatest movie of all time....Highlander.
And like the quote says, there IS only one. The sequels do not exist. Fight any scunner that tells you different.

[Lallans]

Carryover from the Gaelic, for sure. The same usage of 'the' can be found all through Irish and Highland english as written and spoken.

See, it just happened!

[Irish Jack O'Brian]

Gaelic carryover for sure. The same usage of 'the' can be found all through Irish and Highland english as written and spoken.

And I wonder if it might not also be related to the Auld Alliance, since the French speak often of "the" this and "the" that where English would say "a" or use no qualifier...for example one combs les cheveux - the hair, etc.

[beloitpiper]

I believe that it is indeed a carryover from Gaelic.

Kilt, if I'm not mistaken, is Gaelic for 'pleat'. So any mention of a "kilt" would refer simply to one of the many pleats in the back of 'the' kilt.

So it's along the same lines to what Father Bill mentioned above.

And I wonder if it might not also be related to the Auld Alliance, since the French speak often of "the" this and "the" that where English would say "a" or use no qualifier...for example one combs les cheveux - the hair, etc.

The word 'kilt' is not Gaelic in origin, however the use of 'the' instead of 'a' is...at least in this instance. Now, I can only speak about Irish (I don't know Scottish Gaelic) but there's two ways to refer to something. 'An' or 'Na'. 'An' is 'the' in singular form. When translating into English, 'An' is usually translated into 'a', but in Irish it acts more like 'the'. 'Na' means '[plural] the' and is translated into 'the'. Still with me? Ok, so even though both are translated different, they both, in their native Irish, act like 'the', just one is plural and the other is singular.

Hope that helps.