Etymology of "broad" = [approx.] "gal"
Douglas G. Wilson
douglas at NB.NET
Thu Jun 26 00:56:34 UTC 2008
Do any of the esteemed lexicographers or etymologists have a position
(or a notion) regarding the origin of "broad" as a slang term applied to
a woman?
I know of the following conjectures or possibilities:
(1) from "bawd";
(2) from adjective "broad" (referring to hips or whatever);
(3) from "broad" = "playing card"/"ticket" (etymology asserted in a 1914
citation in HDAS);
(4) from "abroad" or from "broad" = "journey";
(5) from German "Braut" (usually = "bride"), or some cognate.
Are there other contenders available?
Is there any solid etymology?
If not, is there a favorite or default hypothesis?
-- Doug Wilson
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