True Scotsman Explained

"True Scotsman" is a humorous term used in Scotland for a man wearing a kilt without undergarments.[1] Though the tradition originated in the military, it has entered Scottish lore as a rite, an expression of light-hearted curiosity about the custom, and even as a subversive gesture.[2]

However, in 2010, the Director of the Scottish Tartans Authority, Brian Wilton, described the tradition of not wearing undergarments as "childish and unhygienic".[3] In response, racing driver David Coulthard and some kilt manufacturers spoke in favour of the tradition, while MSP Jamie McGrigor and Wimbledon champion Andy Murray admitted to wearing underpants under their kilts.

History

The earliest forms of the kilt, called a plaid or "great kilt" (feileadh mòr), were worn over the existing garments of the time, such as trews or breeches with hose or leg wraps. From the late 1600s onward, historical paintings start to show some kilts worn with high socks, with no covering on the visible part of the upper legs.

It is unknown exactly why the practice of wearing no undergarments under the kilt began. Despite numerous stories or claims that have been widely circulated, documented evidence is extremely scarce.[4] The earliest known reference to the practice is a series of satirical French illustrations in 1815 when Paris was occupied after the Battle of Waterloo.[5] [6] Even so, it is unknown if the practice was a dress code requirement, was left to individual soldier's preference, or merely a false rumour that later evolved into an actual practice. The kilt continued to be part of some regimental combat uniforms on the Western Front during the First World War: Every day the regiment would be inspected by a senior officer who would have a mirror to look under kilts. Anyone found wearing underpants would be sent back to take them off. However, in 1940 the kilt was retired from combat because of the vulnerability of bare skin to chemical agents,[7] although it was retained as the formal dress uniform of the regiments. The practice of not wearing undergarments led to an incident in 1997, when windy conditions during a military ceremony in Hong Kong caused a Black Watch soldier to be exposed in front of the press.[2] [8]

21st century

, Highland dancers and athletes have been bound by the nature of their competitions to appropriately and modestly clothe themselves. In Highland Dance competitions and exhibitions, the regulations of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD) have stated regarding underwear: "Dark or toning with the kilt should be worn, but not white."[9]

In 2015, the Scottish barmen of Hootananny pub in Inverness abandoned kilts because customers sexually harassed them by lifting their kilts repeatedly. Ian Howie, the pub's assistant manager, said: "You get large groups of drinking women circling around when you are collecting glasses and asking whether you are true Scotsman – and they find out for themselves. Mainly hen nights." The traditional Scottish garment was initially chosen to give the venue a more authentic feel. Now Tartan shorts will be worn instead.[10]

In popular culture

See also

Notes and References

  1. https://web.archive.org/web/20071031092512/http://www.neil-simpson.com/books.htm
  2. News: When a blue moon has more to do with the wind-chill factor . https://web.archive.org/web/20131105233326/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-19041076.html . dead . November 5, 2013 . . January 14, 2001 . Trevor . Royle.
  3. Web site: UK . A kilt needs underwear . https://web.archive.org/web/20101123115444/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/scotland/8149592/Draught-guidance-a-kilt-need-underwear.html . dead . 2010-11-23 . The Telegraph . 2010-11-22 . 2012-08-21.
  4. News: Scots tradition hit by cover-up ruling . . August 2, 2004 . 2008-05-12 . London . Philippe . Naughton.
  5. Web site: British Museum - Le prétexte .
  6. Web site: British Museum - Le repas du chat, ou Honi soit qui mal y pense .
  7. News: Army's wartime bloomers revealed . BBC News . August 28, 2002.
  8. Web site: Hong Kong's question answered: what's under the kilt? . . 1997-04-25 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221104220945/https://apnews.com/article/041db71f06ffe95ce0ac8921f1812ff4 . 2022-11-04 . live.
  9. Web site: Dress code . https://web.archive.org/web/20170829003349/http://www.sobhd.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Dress-Code.pdf . 2017-08-29 . Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing . 2017-10-02.
  10. Web site: Carr. Simon. 2015-07-14. Find out how randy women forced Scottish barmen to abandon their kilts. 2020-06-06. mirror.
  11. Web site: Mel Gibson thought his Irish Braveheart extras were a bunch of smartasses. 6 September 2014 .
  12. Monty Python's Flying Circus, episode 37, series 3
  13. http://dmdb.org/cgi-bin/plinfo_view.pl?SYN070431 Details for The Scotsman – Bryan Bowers. The Demented Music Database
  14. Web site: 16. Putting Pants on Philip (1927). Laurel. Stan. October 17, 2018. The Laurel and Hardy blog. Patrick Vasey. August 12, 2022.