why call it "The Kilt"?

**Calico** · 9th February 11, 01:53 PM

I have my first kilt on order. When I discuss it, it is always "the".

When I have more than one I can start referring to them as "a".

But honestly, I have only heard "the" used to be generic. And is used for far more than just kilts... e.g. THE tuxedo is the accepted mode of formal attire in the U.S.

It's just a way of generalizing nouns into a group, as opposed to referring to specific objects. IMHO

**Tobus** · 9th February 11, 01:59 PM

I think it's great. In fact, I think we should start doing it for everything.

Examples:

"I'm going to have the party tonight so I can drink the beer."

"Put on the coat, it's cold outside!"

"Would you like the fries with that?"

**Lallans** · 9th February 11, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by Calico

I have my first kilt on order. When I discuss it, it is always "the".

When I have more than one I can start referring to them as "a".

But honestly, I have only heard "the" used to be generic. And is used for far more than just kilts... e.g. THE tuxedo is the accepted mode of formal attire in the U.S.

It's just a way of generalizing nouns into a group, as opposed to referring to specific objects. IMHO

Yes but I think you're missing the usage that is being referred to here. A Gaelic-inspired Scotsman would never say "I wear a kilt" it would always be "I wear the kilt." An Irishman would never say "I drink some whisky" it would always be "I drink the whisky." ... OK there's a joke there but that's not what I'm getting at.

**Calico** · 9th February 11, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by Canuck of NI

A Gaelic-inspired Scotsman would never say "I wear a kilt" it would always be "I wear the kilt." An Irishman would never say "I drink some whisky" it would always be "I drink the whisky."

Sorry, I did not realize that was the point. Never having been to either of those lands, or spoken in either of those tongues, my input is irrelevant.

(Canuck, are you sure that is the context? The question was asked by someone from the States...)

**Jordan** · 9th February 11, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by Canuck of NI

Yes but I think you're missing the usage that is being referred to here. A Gaelic-inspired Scotsman would never say "I wear a kilt" it would always be "I wear the kilt." An Irishman would never say "I drink some whisky" it would always be "I drink the whisky." ... OK there's a joke there but that's not what I'm getting at.

That's not totally accurate, most over here will say that they wear a kilt or are going to wear a kilt for a certain event.

I tend to say I drink all the whisky too

**Lallans** · 9th February 11, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by Jordan

That's not totally accurate, most over here will say that they wear a kilt or are going to wear a kilt for a certain event.

I tend to say I drink all the whisky too

Yes but if you look closely you will note that I anticipated that comment and specifically stated 'a Gaelic-inspired Scotsman'. Are ye Gaelic-inspired wi' yer proper english, Laddie? Are ye really noo?

**Father Bill** · 9th February 11, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by Canuck of NI

Yes but I think you're missing the usage that is being referred to here. A Gaelic-inspired Scotsman would never say "I wear a kilt" it would always be "I wear the kilt." An Irishman would never say "I drink some whisky" it would always be "I drink the whisky." ... OK there's a joke there but that's not what I'm getting at.

An Irishman would rightly say that, since it would sensibly be his intent to drink ALL of it!

**Jordan** · 9th February 11, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by Canuck of NI

Yes but if you look closely you will note that I anticipated that comment and specifically stated 'a Gaelic-inspired Scotsman'. Are ye Gaelic-inspired wi' yer proper english, Laddie? Are ye really noo?

Trust me chief you donne wanna hear my accent when i get goin

ith:

I try to translate everything when I type to make sure it's legible