I was asked the question differently.

[BCAC]

The other day, when wearing trousers, I went with a friend to eat in a local restaurant. I've already been to this particular restaurant a few times in my kilts (to good effect and without any problems).

So this time the waitress says "can I ask you a question?" I replied "yes, of course". She went on to say "When you wear your kilts,...the question...!".

I was amazed, to say the least.

For those that are interested, I replied that I would ask her the same question the next time I saw her in a skirt.

[Richard]

I wonder why it fascinates people to know if your wearing underwear or not

[CDNSushi]

I wonder why it fascinates people to know if your wearing underwear or not

Maybe we should all collectively agree to do some research for the sake of the forum, and the next time someone asks, ask them: "Assuming I tell you the answer, what do you propose to do with that new-found knowledge? How will it change your life? What sort of personal edification will you gain?" Because I honestly would like to know!

[Father Bill]

Well . . . do folks not ask simply because it has been bandied about for so long that we're all "regimental" and people are amazed and even delighted to think that it may be so? In honest and amazed disbelief, they may stutter out the question because they've finally found someone whom they might trust enough to confide their fascination in this mystery - a mystery which we have helped to create and foster.


Why not just smile quietly and enjoy the mystery and their amazed fascination . . . with us!

[piperdbh]

Methinks the good Father has hit on something: people trust a man in a kilt.

Sort of related, but not really:
A few years ago at Grandfather Mountain, a young girl told a sheriff's deputy that a man with a furry sporran had touched her or spoken to her (I can't remember which) inappropriately. The deputy looked around and saw a man with a full-mask muskrat sporran, and questioned him. The girl looked at the man and said that he wasn't the right man. Instead of getting angry for being questioned, the man with the muskrat joined in the search for the perpetrator. I don't know what the outcome of the search was, but it shows that we kilties are good people. (most of the time)

[tpa]

A few years ago at Grandfather Mountain, a young girl told a sheriff's deputy that a man with a furry sporran had touched her or spoken to her (I can't remember which) inappropriately.

It's all very well to be concerned about that sort of behaviour with kids, but the boot can also be on the other foot.

At the Chatsworth Country Fair, whilst walking round the highland dancing area a young lad approached me and asked if I was a real Scotsman, I replied that yes, I was from Scotland. Obviously thinking I had misunderstood what he was asking, he then blatantly said: "Do you wear any underpants?"

I don't think it is a good idea to set a bad example to kids, even rude ones, so I just said "Why on earth would that be of any interest to you?" I don't know if he got the implication or not but just ran off to his mate laughing. Presumably it was a dare. I just wish that their interest in the kilt extended to more than what is or is not under it.

Whilst I appreciate the benefits of curiosity in this area, there is perhaps the risk of lowering its value as a garment in the eyes of non-kilt wearers if too much emphasis is placed on it.

Just to even the score the only other question I got that day was from a lady who came up and asked what tartan I was wearing. I told her and she just said thank you and left. I feel a little guilty about that as I was taking photos at the time and did not do anything to encourage any further discussion and normally when I'm asked that I like to find out why they want to know. It often turns out that they are either Scottish or of Scottish descent or their partner is and so gives me the opportunity to promote wearing a kilt.

[Bill aka Mole]

Well . . . do folks not ask simply because it has been bandied about for so long that we're all "regimental" and people are amazed and even delighted to think that it may be so? In honest and amazed disbelief, they may stutter out the question because they've finally found someone whom they might trust enough to confide their fascination in this mystery - a mystery which we have helped to create and foster.


Why not just smile quietly and enjoy the mystery and their amazed fascination . . . with us!

Just like the Magician's creed: The trick remains a secret because the Magician won't tell.

[Father Bill]

Just like the Magician's creed: The trick remains a secret because the Magician won't tell.

Bingo!

[Newfoundlander]

In truth, I've only ever ben asked once "is anything worn under there?" to which I replied "no, it all works just fine." That brought out a serious blush from the young lass indeed...

I've often wondered of shooting the question back "would you care to look?" But i'm afraid that might backfire terribly one day...

I think best keep it a secret is safest, hey lads? =) I is fascinating though none the less...

[DrCelt]

A man walked up to the groom at a Scottish wedding, pointed at his kilt, and asked, "what's the tartan?". The groom replied "Och, she'll be wearing a white dress..."

I love Scottish humour, which I think is very helpful when you get questions, serious or not.