True Scotsman

For the logical fallacy, see No true Scotsman.

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

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

However, the notion that no undergarments is the only "true" or culturally authentic way to wear a kilt is debatable. Besides scarce historical evidence on how it began and how common it was, there have also been changes in perception of modesty and cleanliness. There are also practical situations which can cause difficulty, such as physical activity or high winds that might cause exposure to onlookers, very cold temperatures, and during seasons where swarms of biting flies are present.

Origin

The earliest forms of the kilt, called a plaid or "great kilt" (feileadh mòr), were sometimes worn over the existing garments of the time, such as trews, long shirts, 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.

Great kilts were considered outerwear and sometimes needed to be removed to change its usage, though it is theorized that they might have been worn over a long shirt that reached the knees. In the 1720's, via Letters from the North of Scotland, Edward Burt observed ordinary Highlanders wearing the kilt so short that its "indecency" was exposed during high winds or physical labor, confirming a lack of structured undergarments

According to Dr. Nick Fiddes, Highland regiments of the 18th century wore kilts without undergarments both to aid in mobility and comfort, but also as a display of masculinity. This became the origin of calling wearing a kilt without underwear "to go regimental." However, he states that it is uncertain how common this was outside of the military among the general populace, as there are accounts of underwear and "kilt liners" being worn underneath at various points.

There were also 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. 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 started by the French that later evolved into an actual practice.

20th century military practice

The kilt continued to be part of some regimental combat uniforms on the Western Front during the First World War: Every day (as part of inspection) 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, 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.

Modern times

As of nowadays, many Scotsmen still don their kilts in commando, feeling it showcases masculinity, pride, and authenticity. However, others have adopted the practice of using modern underwear now that it's accessible. Kilt rental companies have placed policies in regards to unhygienic, soiled, unwashed kilts contributing to cleaning costs. However, if a kilt is purchased, it is entirely up to the wearer.

In 1968, the Scottish group, Marmalade (band), made an appearance on Top Of The Pops due to their #1 hit, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da. In celebration of becoming the first Scottish group to top the UK charts according to Guinness World Records, the Scottish members performed in kilts, whilst their sole British member, modeled a red jacket. Alan Whitehead (drummer) posted about the experience on his official Facebook page, stating that during their performance, they wore nothing underneath: "In 1968 we had the best Christmas present... a number one hit record. The group promised to wear kilts if ever they got to number one... except me of course being English. The group spent all day in their kilts and like true Scotsmen had nothing on underneath...(and) during the final rehearsal the group thought it would be fun to do the Can-can... Remember, the show went out live in those days. The producer was horrified to think of the Marmalade’s block and tackle seen by 20 million viewers, so when we came to perform as we rushed onto the set I noticed all the cameras had little stickers on them saying: "When Marmalade are performing shoot waist up only"...true story"

As of 2008, 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." In 2010, the Director of the Scottish Tartans Authority, Brian Wilton, described the tradition of not wearing undergarments as "childish and unhygienic". 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. 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.

In popular culture

• While portraying Jamie Fraser in the television franchise Outlander, actor Sam Heughan reportedly did not wear underwear beneath his kilts.
• It has been suggested that the 2012 animated film Brave was given a PG rating by American film censors because it showed male characters lifting their kilts. One character was shown lifting his kilt and crying, "Feast your eyes!"
• 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. It has been noted that the historical Scottish during the time period depicted in the film wouldn't have worn kilts at all.
• In the 1927 film Putting Pants on Philip, Stan Laurel, playing a young kilted Scotsman new to the United States, loses his underwear and walks over a subway grate. His kilt is blown up, revealing his nudity and causing two women to faint.

See also

• Going commando
• No True Scotsman
• Caledonian Antisyzygy