asked if i was irish

**Whidbey78** · 23rd October 10, 07:56 PM

I've never been asked about being Irish while kilted. I'm kinda surprised now that I take a moment to think about it.

I do get a lot of the questions about bagpipes, tossing cabers, haggis, and Nessie.

**Nighthawk** · 23rd October 10, 09:30 PM

I was asked if I was Swedish once...

I always say "No, I'm Coloradoan."

**Bugbear** · 25th October 10, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by Nighthawk

I was asked if I was Swedish once...

I always say "No, I'm Coloradoan."

I'm New Mexican.

That usually evokes the response, "you're from Mexico!"

Although many of my ancestors were Irish, and as far as I can tell, none of them were Scottish.

**swampfox** · 23rd October 10, 08:10 PM

i did run into one guy at the gas station who asked what clan i was part of... i told him gunn and he was like "oh were related" lol i just said sure nice to meet ya then he asked about what tartan i was wearing.

**Zardoz** · 23rd October 10, 09:14 PM

If questioned about heritage, I get "are you Irish?" about 30-40% of the time. My honest answer to that is "yes, mostly" so I guess I'm not really being part of the solution....

**DesertCeltic** · 23rd October 10, 10:58 PM

I have been asked if I was Irish only once. My all time favorite was "I love the kilt, you must be German"! I laugh everytime I think about that exchange.

**Urchurdan** · 24th October 10, 01:16 AM

Being from Scotland, I have only ever once called an Irishman, sorry to say guys, but it was in my wifes hometown of Des Moines. Iowa - a smashing old gentleman came up and said - 'you Irish guys look great in your kilts.' Och well, we are all Celts....LoL...

**Madadh** · 24th October 10, 04:17 AM

Being an American of Irish decent, when kilted I always have to explain that I am not Scottish. That always troubled people when I told them that my kilt was a family kilt.

**longhuntr74** · 24th October 10, 06:12 AM

Originally Posted by Madadh

Being an American of Irish decent, when kilted I always have to explain that I am not Scottish. That always troubled people when I told them that my kilt was a family kilt.

So far I'm batting 100% with getting asked if I'm IRISH when I wear the kilt...nobody has yet come up with the Scotland=kilt connection. It is apalling...considering Ireland and Kiltwearing aren't really historically based.

The other problem I have is how to answer that question. Like Zardoz, if people ask me "Are you Irish"...the answer is yes! My Great, great grandfather emigrated from Fermanagh County Ireland...which I am guessing means that I have Ulster Scot heritage...but perhaps not. That same man married a girl who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland...and also emigrated (or I guess immigrated in this usage...it's so confusing) to Peterborough, Ontario Canada. The problem is that answering the question honestly reinforces the kilt = Irish connection and sidetracks the point of the question...to which I want to respond "The Kilt is worn in Scotland, not Ireland, you ignorant @#$!"

**artificer** · 24th October 10, 07:21 AM

The correct answer to "are you Irish?" is:

To put on a shifty look, lean in toward them, and in a quiet voice ask back "Why, you're not after me pot 'o gold, are ye?". Then hit them soundly on the noggin with any available walking stick you have to hand. An umbrella will do in a pinch.

When they're laying there on the ground you'll have time to explain the origins of the kilt. Since they're stunned and semi-conscious, you can expound 'til your heart is content (or the local constabulary starts taking an interest). Then, leg it.

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