主题：【讨论】翻译的“反向工程”---电影《海狼》里的一个例子 -- 元亨利

"Broad" was not used as a derogatory term originally. Rather, it was suggestive of 'broad hips', which represent pretty / beautiful / sexy women for most men. Therefore, a compliment it was.

Another possibility could be that “broad” was originated from the word "Broadway" because obviously only the prettiest or most beautiful chicks were working on Broadway shows.