I'm not Scottish

[Friday]

I see your point, but let me clarify why I say that. I say "I am Scottish" in America, because everybody knows that I'm American, they want to know if I have Scottish ancestry. In the US, it's just easier to say "I am Scottish" than "I have ancestors who were Scottish". If I ask somebody "if they're Scottish", I know they're American, I want to know if they have Scottish heritage.

Now, when I'm abroad, I clarify like that, because they don't already know that I am American. Like when I'm in Ireland, people will ask me if I'm Irish and I reply "I'm American, but have Irish ancestry".

I understand beloitpiper's point of view and don't disagree but have a different perspective. I live in the Washington D.C. Metro area. With all the diplomats, multi-National companies and tourist you don't know who you are talking to. The person I meet may speak American English then I do, even though I was born here. So saying "I'm Scottish" may not imply to the person I'm talking to that I am an American of Scottish ancestery but that I am a tourist like they are from Scotland.

So if asked I say that I'm of Scottish ancestry and I drink Scotch if they are buying.

[O'Callaghan]

I looked this up and various sources say JFK was perfectly correct in his usage of "Ich bin ein Berliner". It's the faux pas that never was.

It's perfectly correct German, but that's not the point. It's a double meaning.

[Bugbear]

All Right, I'm not German either. I don't... think of myself as a jelly roll nor a strudle for that matter.

[Tim Little]

"Faux pas that never was" as maybe but all the Germans I know find it most amusing...

You might say they "ate it up".