tartanism
n. The use of stereotypical Scottish imagery and props.
Other Forms
Examples
2014
Prof. McKay explains that "tartanism" was a romanticized view of Scotland — all about bagpipes, tartan and highland dancing, but it ignored the politics. "Angus L.," as the premier was known, used this strategy to brand his province to promote tourism.
—Jane Taber, “Debate on referendum notably muted in Canada’s most Scottish province,” The Globe and Mail (Canada), September 17, 2014
1996
Oh yes, a few entrepreneurs like Lord Jamie Semple have latched onto the marketability of tartanism and are busy convincing the likes of the Latvians to eschew vodka for that new Scottish cocktail, Ra Wee Voddie, light pilsners for Big Rid Cans.
—Tom Morton, “A nasty shock in Jock's new bar,” The Scotsman, February 28, 1996
1990 (earliest)
The best of the St Andrew's Night festivities in Glasgow was a more rigorously structured disagreement. The tartanism of the awards was echoed in the theme of a debate at Glasgow university where 10 rampant university debators from all over the UK gathered to thrash out the motion that Nationalism Has Had Its Day.
—Iain Grant, “Crumbs! Has our Andrew had his Day?,” The The Sunday Times (London), December 02, 1990
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