Quote Originally Posted by Mike S
Ian,
That definition of Plaid is included in every dictionary listing only because of the widespread misuse of the word, not because it is correct, which it isn't strictly speaking.
As Alan explained, it was meant in a casual sense in the context of his post, but I wanted to point out to the less informed the error in using that word in most instances. Cheers.
I don't consider the way Americans use the word as wrong. It is simply common usage in the US, not incorrect usage. It's just the way the word evolved having been moved an ocean away from its origin.

There are quite a few words that differ in usage on either side of The Pond, as I'm sure you've noticed. For instance, here, calico always refers to a cotton or poly/cotton fabric covered with a tiny print, most often wee rosebuds or other flowers. Americans have used it that way since pioneer times. But in Britain, calico refers to what we call muslin. Not wrong or right, but simply the way language develops over time & distance.