Need to know how polite you are to people who are....curious

[Phil]

I can imagine that people in countries outwith Scotland will be curious about a type of clothing that they are not familiar with but to then enquire about what, if any, underwear is being worn is nothing short of impertinent rudeness. To be honest, the only question I have ever been asked is "What tartan is that?" which seems perfectly reasonable . In addition, British people are generally far too polite and reserved to ask anyone a question of such a personal and intimate nature. On the rare occasions that I have worn a kilt south of the border the only comment I can recall was the photographer at a wedding saying "All the men in skirts" to be photographed with the bride at a wedding. He was fortunate in that no drink had yet been taken or his tripod might have been forcibly inserted where the sun don't shine!

[Geoff Withnell]

I try to be about as polite as the questioner. But let's face, it is inherently an impolite question, if asking about the person being asked, and not kilties in general. Rude or challenging questions/comments get rude/challenging answers. The one thing I never do is actually answer. I know. Michele knows. G-d knows. No one else needs to know.

[Spinnaker]

I haven't been kilted for more than a few months, and the only questions I have to answer have come from wife. At first it was "Are you gay? If you are, it's okay. I just want to know." My answer was appropriate and not too polite. But like all people, the more they are exposed, the more comfortable they become. A couple of weeks ago, I came home from work, put on my kilt and sat down next to my wife at the counter bar to eat. She was in a dress and asked me if I was wearing underwear. I said yes. I think she was dissapointed because she then proceeded to flash me and say "I'm not." God love her! And I think she has swayed my way. Now if I can just convince her to allow me to order that Campbell tank I want.

[MizzouScotsman]

I haven't been kilted for more than a few months, and the only questions I have to answer have come from wife. At first it was "Are you gay? If you are, it's okay. I just want to know." My answer was appropriate and not too polite. But like all people, the more they are exposed, the more comfortable they become. A couple of weeks ago, I came home from work, put on my kilt and sat down next to my wife at the counter bar to eat. She was in a dress and asked me if I was wearing underwear. I said yes. I think she was dissapointed because she then proceeded to flash me and say "I'm not." God love her! And I think she has swayed my way. Now if I can just convince her to allow me to order that Campbell tank I want.

I wish you luck in your endeavor concerning the Campbell tank . And your Mrs sounds like a great woman.

[Kilted Chaos]

Spinnaker, your wife is a RIOT..."I'm not!" Love her lots

[llyd]

Depends who it asking and how they ask...obnoxious ones don't last long...those just asking out of curiosity get varying answers...as polite as circumstances dictate....an attractive lady might get an appraising look and a job interview...lol

[guardsman]

A a works do last christmas I was asked the question , I said to the lady concerned what do you think , she said pants! I said I shouldnt wear them really, so I said, tell you what we can go to the toilet and you take off yours and I will do same! Sshe, taken aback said will you, I said yes , as she got up she looked at me as I casually smirked and said Youve not got any on have you. Caused a laugh and started a good night out LOL

[ploptoken]

I've been wearing a kilt for a couple months and have gotten several questions, but "The Question."

1. Why do you wear a kilt? - Cause i like to drink and its easier than finding my pants in the morning.
2. Are you gay? - No, but my wife likes to wear pants.

Something i didn't think about until reading through this thread is that I'm pretty heavy into the body modification scene. I have more than a couple tattoos and piercings. The thing that gets the most attention is my ears. I have 3/4" holes through each lobe. Usually in public some girl, mostly girls, few guys will do this, will try to stick there finger through the jewelry in my ear. For some reason they believe i've given up the right to personal space.

I've gotten into heated discussions about this and my tattoos before. I've actually been kicked out of a Hooters for it. One of the waitresses started lifting up the leg of my shorts to get a better look at some of my artwork. When i explained it was rude the following exchange happened:

• Waitress: Your tattoos were half exposed, i was just getting a better look.
• Me: Your breasts are half hanging out, can i start tugging on your clothes to get a better look?
• Waitress: That's not the same things?
• Me: Yes is it, i'm just not as attractive as you.
• Manager: Sir, you are going to have to leave.

I know most of you that read that would think sticking their finger in another person's piercing or lifting their pant leg is rude and probably thought that it is a very limited occurance. But it usually happens every other time i'm in public. Seriously.

With that said, i am very concerned about the same thing happening when the someone with that same attitude wants to check what i'm wearing under my kilt. Do i have the right to be confrontational with the person? Have i called it on my self because of my choice of clothing, piercings and tattoos? Should i involve law enforcement when someone takes it upon them self to flip my kilt up to check? I do know if i was curious about what was under a lass' skirt and looked under without permission, Johnny Lawdog would be fitting me with a new set of bracelets pretty quickly.

Any suggestions?

[MizzouScotsman]

I try to be about as polite as the questioner. But let's face, it is inherently an impolite question, if asking about the person being asked, and not kilties in general. Rude or challenging questions/comments get rude/challenging answers. The one thing I never do is actually answer. I know. Michele knows. G-d knows. No one else needs to know.

I think I shall add that to my things to say, "My wife knows, God knows but I'm not sure you need to know." Thanks

[McElmurry]

I have only been asked the question twice now but "a gentleman never tells" worked well both times.

As far as the skirt comment I have been working on saying "it is not a skirt, it is a schkeeirt" in my best Sean Connery accent which is terrible and is bound to confuse.

I did have a woman say she liked my purse. She then asked the correct name for it and how to spell it.