What does plaided mean?
Plaided is an adjective, chiefly associated with Scottish English, meaning marked with a tartan or checked pattern. It may describe clothing, fabric, furniture, or other objects, as in “a plaided skirt” or “plaided flannel.” The word has a somewhat regional and old-fashioned quality, especially outside Scotland, where “checkered” is the usual general term. Its distinctive history comes from the word “plaid,” which entered English from Scottish Gaelic and originally referred to a tartan cloth or blanket. Today, “plaided” continues that association with traditional Scottish patterns, although it can be applied to any fabric with a suitable checked design. It is useful in writing when the Scottish or textile character of an object needs emphasis rather than a general description of a checkered surface.
adjectiveHaving a tartan or checked pattern, especially in a fabric or garment. It can also mean made from or covered with tartan-patterned material.
- Having a tartan or checked pattern.
- Made from or covered with tartan-patterned material.
"She wore a warm plaided shawl over her shoulders."
"The old-fashioned suit was made from a striking plaided fabric."
"A plaided blanket was folded at the foot of the bed."
Plaid began as a Gaelic word for a blanket, but “plaided” preserved the distinctive Scottish sense of a cloth covered in tartan checks.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does plaided come from?
Plaided comes through the Scots adjective “plaid,” meaning tartan-patterned, from Scottish Gaelic “plaide,” a word associated with a tartan cloth or blanket. English borrowed “plaid” with its Scottish textile sense, and “plaided” developed as an adjective expressing the patterned quality of the material. The related Scots form “plaidie” and the noun “plaiding” reflect the same Gaelic and Scots vocabulary.
How plaided is actually used
The word is most strongly associated with Scottish usage. Outside Scotland, “checkered” or “chequered” is usually more common, and “plaided” can sound regional or old-fashioned.
Easily confused with plaided
Plaid is the Scottish pattern itself and can also name a tartan cloth or garment, whereas plaided describes something bearing that pattern.