What are they?

[David Evil Overlord]

A Quick Fire Question -- if I said a character was wearing "board shorts", would those of you who live in countries outside Australia know what I was talking about (without the need to Google)?

[Perpetual Man]

I could guess, but I'm not sure for certain (and would probably be wrong)

[Mouse]

No idea. Long shorts?

[springs]

i'm guessing they're what you wear surfing, but wouldn't be 100 percent.

[David Evil Overlord]

Correct, Springs. Now, do I change the wording to make it easier for foreign readers, or do I add a glossary?

[I, Brian]

If uncertain, I may be personally be inclined to add a short description, ie:

"David appeared in a pair of board shorts, grubby white down the knee."

[springs]

Is it used in connection with a surfing scene, or surfing paraphenalia?

I asked my hubby, he said no. I then said if you knew the writer was australian and he got it.... so are you setting it in aussie with clear voices?

[Alex, The G and T]

"Board Shorts" are common usage in (at least) western US.

Casual wear associated with skate-, snow-, wake-, surf- boarding. Baggy and too long, in style. Garish, floral ("Hawaiian") print optional.

[David Evil Overlord]

Springs, it is set in Australia. But the scene takes place as far from the beach as possible (the invisible tree house), so no clues for the reader there.

Brian, a good idea.

Thanks, Alex. Nice to know some people other than Australians will understand the term.

Perhaps the kind of shorts doesn't matter so much. The most important part is that he's wearing shorts in summer, while also wearing a long-sleeved t-shirt. He's hiding something to do with his arm.

[springs]

In that context, I'd drop the term as possibly confusing. Long shorts? Cropped trousers? Each might do the same....

(I, too, miss quick fire, very, very much. Any mods feeling sympathy?)

[David Evil Overlord]

Of course, she is mad at him when she first sees him. I could have her question his choice of clothing as inappropriate for climbing trees (only because of the surf-associated name, not because of any real impracticality).

[springs]

Or just that their pattern's ridiculous. Like some swim trunks. Speaking of which, I've still to show the hubby the reduced ones I've picked up for his hols.... gulp.

[David Evil Overlord]

When you say "reduced", are you talking about the price, or the amount of fabric used to cover what must be covered?

A second glance showed me Allan was wearing his green-and-white board shorts with the stupid tropical-flower pattern. Inappropriate, much? Board shorts were meant for surfing, not climbing trees.

[springs]

Seems clear enough for me.

(price, thankfully....)

[Glen]

Perhaps just have him taking a tinnie from his eski, that should clear things up.