Maybe a daft question from a newbie, but...

[Planopiper]

If you're asking me, drop the "tank". There's a perfectly good word that already does the job. But don't do it for my sake. I don't care either way. But since this question keeps coming up, it seems that the term is more confusing than helpful, so why use it?

[The Wizard of BC]

We are still working on the prefered wording for some of the newer parts of this insanity we call kilts.

Some terms are becoming commonly used.

Types of kilts:

Traditional kilts are coming to have three sub catagories.

Historical - the type of kilt meant to be like those in use prior to the mid-1700's. The Great Kilt is in this catagory.

Tank or Just Traditional - a predominatly hand sewnkilt. Made from Approx 8 yards of 13oz. or heavier Worsted wool in a twill weave using a Tartan pattern. They have the features of a strap and buckle clouser and are designed to be worn with a rise of approx. 2" to 4" above the natural waist.
Any kilt made by Barb Tewksbury or from her book is a Tank.
The term Tank was coined by Jimmy Carbomb in 2005.

Casual - Usually agreed to be a traditional kilt but being made from less than 8 yards of Tartan fabric. Casuals can be predominatly machine sewn. They can also be made from a fabric other than medium, or heavy weight wool Tartan such Wool blends, Polyester and Viscous blends(PV), and Acetate. Casuals have the features of a Tank such as straps & buckles, and are to be worn with a rise above the natural waist.
USA Kilts Semi-Trads. Bear Kilts, and Stillwater Kilts are in the Casual catagory. The term Casual Kilt was coined by 21st Century Kilts in 1996.

Then there is the newer catagory of Contemporary Kilt.

Contemporary kilts are specifically designed to be traditional in styling. Most are designed to be worn lower than traditionals. (at the natural waist or lower). Most are made from a fabric other than Wool and usually do not have a Tartan pattern. Contemporaries can be made from Cotton, Poly/Cotton blends, Washable Wool blends, and leather. The fabric is usually machine washable.
The predominant feature of a Contemporary kilt is the incorporation of Pockets.
Contemporary kilts are usually machine sewn with the edges of the pleats having topstitching. They also usually have a tapered and sewn down Fell area between the hips and waist.
Contemporaries also may have a method other than straps and buckles to close them such as Velcro, hooks & eyes, and buttons.
Pittsburgh Kilts, R-Kilts, Amerikilts, and Freedom Kilts are in the Contemporary style.
The term Contemporary was coined by me in 2003.

There is another catagory now being used and that is MUG. This name and catagory was developed by Utilikilts. It has come to mean any "Un-Bifurcated Male Garment" that does not take it's inspiration from the traditional Scottish kilt.
Using pleating systems other than uni-directional knife or box pleats.
May not have a wrap around apron fastening system.
May be designed with a hem worn well below the knee.
These are the "rebel" and "fashion" men's skirts. In German they are known as "Mannerocken" or "Man-skirt".
MUG was coined by the Utilikilts Company in 2002.

The last catagory that seems to be catching on is Knockabout kilts.
Knockabouts are those which look at first glance to be Tartan kilts but are designed for lounging or sports activities. They are usually simple, wrap around garments, in a tartan like, or plaid, quick drying fabric.
Knockabouts usually have minimal tailoring and may be gathered below the waistband v.s. pleated.
They are usually cost effective enough that you can destroy it participating in Highland heavy event games, or fixing the car, and not feel guilty for ruining your Tank.

This tome posted in full respect to all the kiltmakers out there. It was not my intent to demean or denigrate anyone. But to clarify for our newer members some of the terms they see being used here and on other forums.

A word of caution to the newer members. Some of these terms are highly debated and are by no means set in concrete or universally accepted.

[Sherry]

How about a pinned thread that is essentially an FAQ for neewbs?

[UmAnOnion]

How about a pinned thread that is essentially an FAQ for neewbs?

with a glosary of terms!!!

[Blu (Ontario)]

The term tank isn't as objectionable as those pesky abreviations like SK, PK, UK, USAK, SWK..... etc. etc. It's all insider language and it means nothing to those new to kilts. The vendors certainly don't reap much benefit from it. A glossary would help, but better yet, just drop the idiomatic vernacularisms.


.

[porrick]

How about a pinned thread that is essentially an FAQ for neewbs?

A very constructive idea It would make newwbie life much simpler.

[Tartan Hiker]

Wow! Thank you Steve for clearing up the confusion. Porrick...I was going to ask the same question!

When I read the title of the thread I misread it and thought you said this was a "draft question"...I guess no one should be surprised when they feel a draft!!! :grin:

Yeah...I feel it too, dude!!

Bill

[KiltedKnight]

My heartfelt thanks goes out to those that had the courage to ask the questions on the definitions of some of the terms used here that I had simply decided to roll along with and act as though I knew exactly what was being said, again, thanks.

Chris.

[pdcorlis]

The abbreviations (SWK, USAK, etc.) are/were listed on the site somewhere.

[bikercelt1]

Every culture, interest and profession develops it's own lingo either intentionally or just by common usage. One of the purposes is frequently to keep outsiders out. This group is no different. It's not that we want to keep anybody out, it's just that the language of our common interest is developing as we grow. I think that's a trait of the English language.

Jamie