True Scotsman

For the logical fallacy, see No true Scotsman.

"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, the notion that no undergarments is the "true" or culturally authentic way to wear a kilt is a myth, as there were and still are many circumstances were it would not be appropriate.^[3] These include situations where physical activity or high winds might cause exposure to onlookers, very cold temperatures, and during seasons where swarms of biting flies are present.

Satirical caricature of French women curious about kilted Scottish soldiers, c. 1815

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] Because the earlier "great kilt" was considered outerwear and sometimes needed to be removed to change its usage, wearing it without undergarments is considered unlikely. 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, involves the "small kilt" (filleadh beag) worn by members of the Scottish regiment.^[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: Allegedly, 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.^[4] However, in 1940 the kilt was retired from combat because of the vulnerability of bare skin to chemical agents,^[7][8] 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][9]

21st century

As of 2008^[update], 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."^[10] In 2010, the Director of the Scottish Tartans Authority, Brian Wilton, described the tradition of not wearing undergarments as "childish and unhygienic".^[11] 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.^{[citation needed]} 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.^[12]

In popular culture

• In the 1995 film Braveheart, during the Battle of Stirling Bridge scene, the Scottish soldiers lift their kilts to flash the English archers, taunting them after an attack.^[13]
• The song "The Scotsman", popularised in 1980 by Bryan Bowers through airplay on the Dr. Demento radio show, finds a pair of young ladies encountering a true Scotsman.^[14]
• In the 1927 film Putting Pants on Philip, Stan Laurel, as a young Scotsman new to the United States, suffers mishaps involving his kilt. He walks over a ventilation grating a couple of times and his kilt is blown up displaying his tartan boxer shorts. Later, after Philip loses his shorts, he again walks over a ventilation grating and the crowd sees more than his boxers, causing a number of ladies to faint instantly.^[15]

See also

• Scotland portal
• Fashion portal

• Going commando
• No True Scotsman
• Caledonian Antisyzygy