True Scotsman
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"True Scotsman" is a humorous term used in Scotland for a man wearing a kilt without undergarments.[1] Though it originated in the military, it has entered Scottish lore as a rite, an expression of light-hearted curiosity about the custom, even as a subversive gesture[2].
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[edit] Background
Kilts have been traditionally worn without undergarments since its use as part of Scottish military uniform, leading to the invention of such expressions as "go regimental" or "military practice" for wearing no underwear.[2][3] On the Western Front during the First World War, some Sergeant Majors reportedly had mirrors tied to the end of golf clubs or walking sticks to inspect up and under the kilt at parade inspection. In the 1950s, kilted soldiers on parade would be checked by the Sergeant Major using a mirror on the barrack's floor.[3] In 1997, a Black Watch soldier received wide press exposure, because of windy conditions during a military ceremony in Hong Kong.[2]
However, Highland dancers and athletes are bound by the nature of their competitions to appropriately and modestly clad themselves. In Highland Dance competitions and exhibitions, the regulations of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD) state regarding underwear: "dark or toning with the kilt should be worn but not white."[4] Highland athletes are also required to wear shorts of some type during competitions.
[edit] Kilt Inspections
The term True Scotsman is most often used in the context of a kilt inspection; this inspection sometimes proceeds as follows:[5][6]
The kilt wearer is asked if he is a "True Scotsman". He responds in the affirmative or negative. If affirmative, proof may be demanded, the nature of which can vary depending on the person and situation. If negative, "confiscation" of the "offending" undergarments may be demanded.
[edit] Renaissance fairs
Given the popularity of kilts in the fantasy and reenactment communities, kilt inspections are common at large costumed events.[7][8] Like "grape-diving", these inspections have a formalised "ritual", as performing a kilt inspection without consent could be considered a sexual assault.[9]
[edit] Popular culture
Non-Scots and those unfamiliar with kilts seeking to determine the truth of the "True Scotsman" tradition can leave themselves open to innuendo and double entendre, as innocent queries can be turned on the questioner; as with the question "Is there anything worn under the kilt?" being answered with examples such as "No, nothing is worn, everything is in perfect working order!" or "Yes, socks, shoes, and talcum powder," and "Yes, socks, shoes, and two shades of lipstick." Humorous "Kilt Inspector" and "Official Kilt Inspector" T-shirts can be purchased in Scottish tourist shops and online.[citation needed]
The plot of the 16th "Carry On" film, Carry On Up the Khyber, revolves around the mishaps of a fictional Scottish regiment following the discovery that they are not true Scotsmen.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.neil-simpson.com/books.htm "He was singing on stage in Scotland and inadvertently proving he was a true Scotsman with nothing on underneath his kilt". Neil Simpson, excerpt from Lorraine Kelly: The Biography: The True Story of Lorraine Kelly, TV's Best Loved Presenter, May 31 2007, Accessed May 12, 2008
- ^ a b c "When a blue moon has more to do with the wind-chill factor", The Sunday Herald, January 14, 2001.
- ^ a b "Scots tradition hit by cover-up ruling", The Times, August 2, 2004. Retrieved on 2008-05-12.
- ^ Dress code. Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing. Retrieved on 2008-05-13.
- ^ Hugo Rifkind. "Nice bit of skirts, lads", The Times, December 3, 2002. Retrieved on 2008-05-12.
- ^ "Dying Garry weds his bride Katie Campling", The Huddersfield Daily Examiner, February 11 2008. Retrieved on 2008-05-12.
- ^ How to assemble your OWN kilt-lifting kit. Retrieved on 2008-05-15.
- ^ Have you ever given or received a kilt check?. Ren fair Quiz. Retrieved on 2008-05-15.
- ^ All kilt wearers have experience of being attacked by wild females desperate to know what's underneath.. The Sunday Post (7th Mar 2004).
