Broad
Does anyone know anything about the etymology of the word “broad”, used to denote a woman?
Unpacking English, Bit by Bit
A community for questioning, nitpicking, and debating the quirks and rules of the English language.
Unpacking English, Bit by Bit
A community for questioning, nitpicking, and debating the quirks and rules of the English language.
Unpacking English, Bit by Bit
A community for questioning, nitpicking, and debating the quirks and rules of the English language.
Does anyone know anything about the etymology of the word “broad”, used to denote a woman?
©2025 CYCLE Interactive, LLC.
All Rights Reserved.
See http://www.takeourword.com/TOW116/page4.html for a discussion.
searcher Nov-12-2003
0 vote Permalink Report Abuse
My Dad (GRHS) claimed the term refers to the wider hip structure of the average female vs. the narrower hipped male. Simple...And yes, I'm very "broad minded" /;0)
blacksnake Jan-14-2004
0 vote Permalink Report Abuse
I always thought it was a reference to breast size.
Atlantima Oct-27-2004
0 vote Permalink Report Abuse
It's the breadth of the woman as seen from behind. I'm sure of this one.
The broadest thing about me is my mind. :D
speedwell2 Dec-06-2004
0 vote Permalink Report Abuse