costume

[bchunter]

After church today we had a luncheon for a departing associate pastor, and while standing in line the gentleman behind me spoke to tell me that he'd seen my photo recently in highland dress. It turns out the photo was taken last spring. He asked if I played the pipes, which I don't. His wife then responded, "So, you only wear the costume, then?" I didn't even say anything, just turned around and walked away as if I didn't hear her. Immediately I wished I had informed her that my "costume" was as legitimate as atire as her pant suit. Boy, sometimes my reaction times are just too slow.

[ChattanCat]

Yup, if only we could think faster on our feet...

[wyldathart]

Don't be too hard on yourself. Try as we might, we can't catch everyone

[mbhandy]

The more you wear a kilt the faster the response time.

MrBill

[The Barry]

Don't worry, I'm sure that the silent indignation got the message through, loud and clear.

[Carolina Kiltman]

I find it interesting that the word "costume" has taken on so narrow a meaning in the last 60+ years. As a lad, the term referred to any specialised clothing, as in "bring your swimming costume" or " students who do not own their own cricked costume, may borrow one from the school's stock".

I agree that it is largely (now) more or less of an insult to anyone wearing something out of the ordinary, ans all too often applied to the kilt.

[bchunter]

I find it interesting that the word "costume" has taken on so narrow a meaning in the last 60+ years. As a lad, the term referred to any specialised clothing, as in "bring your swimming costume" or " students who do not own their own cricked costume, may borrow one from the school's stock".

I agree that it is largely (now) more or less of an insult to anyone wearing something out of the ordinary, ans all too often applied to the kilt.

I've thought about that. This old gal may have been using a language of old where words and phrases were different than they sometimes are today, but the otherwise use of current language leads me to believe she was merely ignornant of the reality.

[Rex_Tremende]

This old gal may have been using a language of old where words and phrases were different than they sometimes are today, but the otherwise use of current language leads me to believe she was merely ignornant of the reality.

That's why I often use the question, "How do you mean?" (or some variation) when I feel that I might go off half-cocked on something someone says to me. It gives me the chance to listen a second time to be sure I understood what the speaker was saying, and to re-evaluate my gut reaction to the first thing.

Regards,
Rex.

[SteveB]

American term "Swimsuit" is still referred to as "Bathing Costume" in most of the rest of the world.

[Bugbear]

Ehh, what can you do...