The term "ceilidh" in its modern English sense began to emerge at about the same time, but independently from, the English country music revival. Then and now, it defines an attitude rather than a particular type of music or dance.

Just as eskimos have many words for snow, in the dance world the word has specific connotations. Both a ceilidh and D4D may include English Country Dances, but the style in which they're danced and the approach of both the dancers and musicians are very different. For those who care about such things, the terminology provides a shorthand code which lets them know what sort of event to expect, and whether or not it's for them. For those who don't, like WAV's godmother, it's all just snow.

Simply referring to "English Country Dance" does not convey the same information about style and approach.

Was "ceilidh" the best term to adopt? It does sometimes cause confusion, especially for expat Scots who may turn up in kilts, but on the whole its English meaning is now generally understood. Back then, the word was already in use, and it gradually adapted to acquire its current specific meaning in English usage. We were less concerned about such cultural niceties back then, and we didn't have the benefit of WAV's deep experience and profound wisdom to guide us.