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?
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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
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I always thought it was a reference to breast size.
Atlantima Oct-27-2004
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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
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See http://www.takeourword.com/TOW116/page4.html for a discussion.
searcher Nov-12-2003
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