Origin of "broad" as slang?

Question

Can anyone tell me what is the origin of broad as a slang for a woman? Usually seen in US movies/tv.

Answer 1

"Broad" means woman. No other meaning, not a combined word.
It was first used by Mike Hammer, Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe and other hard detectives in the novels of the 1930's and 40's as a form of slang. These novels were written by Mickey Spillane, Dashiell Hammett, and Raymond Chandler. They are classic novels dealing with hard private detectives.

The word was developed because there were only words in the English language that had derogatory meanings for woman. These authors needed a slang word that was not derogatory.
In those days authors who wanted to sell books were careful about the language they used.

Answer 2

I alway assumed that the slang for women pronounced 'Broad' was actually 'Bra-ed', as to mean in a bra. perhaps that is my ignorance. But it made sense to me, seeing as if you wear
a robe you are robed
a cloak you are cloaked
etc.

Mike Hammer novesl do sound like a valid source

Answer 3

It's just a North American slang.

Answer 4

Broad is a combination of two words, to describe a woman. B!tch and Fraud.

(Sorry - I had to use a ! instead of i, because the word would get filtered out otherwise)

Answer 5

Wide hips.

Answer 6

No Idea!

Answer 7

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woman

Explains it and even gives examples !

Answer 8

Dunno but guess 'There is nothing like a Dame' from south pacific give a clue.