[jammer]

In defense of Fred, I think “silly” may have modified “rule”, not “hat.”

[Gondring]

In defense of Fred, I think “silly” may have modified “rule”, not “hat.”

Written, yes....there's no hypen. However, we can go only by his spoken word.

Ah, English, what a crazy language. (Not that others are better.)

[mbraynard]

In defense of Fred, I think “silly” may have modified “rule”, not “hat.”

Who are you - Mike Geragos?

[Kleon]

In defense of Fred, I think “silly” may have modified “rule”, not “hat.”

Yeah, I understood it too. He wasn't calling the fireman's hat "silly."