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While Frothers, just like all other humans, speak Killan,
the Clans have over time developed a battle language called Galdey.
Galdey is not so much a complete language of its own, but rather
a collection of phrases that the Frothers use to communicate in
combat. Even when not in combat, Frothers often use theit tongue
for describing things Frotheresque (for a lot of things Frothers
do, there are no appropriate equations inn Killan) or when they
don not want outsiders to understand them. While all the Clan's
Galdey dialects come from the same source etymologically, certain
variations exist. A Dougal might thus have problems understanding
a Murdoch (especially a drunk one).
Bonnet: The "Balmoral" bonnet and the "Glengarry"
bonnet are equally correct. Tartan balmorals, like tartan bow ties,
should never be worn with a kilt. The Balmoral is a very ancient
headgear. It may be black, blue, or fawn, with or without diced
band, and may have loose flowing ribbons behind, or a knotted bow.
The Glengarry is generally dark blue or black, and may or may not
have a diced band. It is invariably worn with loose flowing ribbons,
and many people prefer it because of its jaunty appearance.
Ceilidh (pronounced KAY-LEE): The Ceilidh is
the centre of the social life of the Frother community. The word
translates from the Galdey "visitor or social gathering".
Chanter: That part of the bagpipe which the player
holds with his hands to play the melody of the tune.
Clan: The word originally meant, in Galdey, offspring
or descendants, family or tribe. Originally a family unit, the Clan
became the basic political, economic, and social unit. Each Clan
has its own tartan which was worn in a kilt or scarf. They are fiercely
loyal to the family group and are quick to avenge any wrongs done
to their fellows, as well as defending the area they considerehome
territory.
Claymore: The true Claymore is as tall as a
man. It is a massive but beautifully balanced, two-handed sword.
Dirk: The Dirk is a long knife, and its sheath
sometimes houses a smaller knife and a fork. The origin of this
arrangement was that the long knife was the conventional hunting
knife, and the smaller utensils were for eating.
Drone: One of the three "tubes" sticking out
of a set of bagpipes. These provide the continuous tone unique to
pipe music.
Juicer: A Frother who relies on a BOOPA system
attached to his body. Also used in a more general way for persons
that consume a lot of drugs (for a Frother, that is).
Kilt: "A man in a kilt is a man and a half."
It is the traditional clothing of the Frothers. The present kilt
contains about eight yards of material. This garment is the modern
remnant of the great plaid, Originally a large blanket pleated round
the waist; held by a large, broad belt. The excess free cloth was
gathered and pinned to the shirt or coat with a brooch on the left
shoulder.
Plaid: Any woven checked pattern. Not the same
as Tartan. The shawl-like garment worn over the shoulder by some
in highland dress. Originally part of the kilt.
Sept: A family not having the name of the Clan,
but associated with the Clan and entitled to wear its tartan, e.g.
Gillespie is a sept of Clan MacAlister.
Sgain Dubh (Pronounced Skeen Due): The Sgain
Dubh or black knife, is a small knife worn on the right leg, tucked
between the stocking and the leg. It is held in place by the garter
band, with its handle protruding above the stocking top. Some are
bone handled, some black with a cairngorm set in a silver mounting.
Originally the Sgain Dubh was hidden somewhere on the body, it became
tradition to wear it in the sock to show friendliness -- I.E. you
are showing others where your knife is, so are not hostile. Tradition
also states that the Sgain Dubh is worn in the sock so that even
when kneeling a Frother is dangerous.
Sporran: The pouch worn in the front of the kilt,
which serves as a pocket. The sporran is worn about a hand's breadth
below your belt.
Tartan: The Tartan describes the distinctive
checkered pattern generally worked out in a woven material such
as woolen cloth. Each particular pattern is known as a "sett". The
distinctive sett adopted by the chief and his relatives became traditionally
the "Clan Tartan."
Troph: A proof of victory over a foe. Customs
vary from Clan to Clan. The Dougals, for example expect a warrior
to present the heads of foes slain druring a Clan confrontation
to his sept or Clan chief.
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