Too funny! To me the word conjures up Leo Gorcy and the like, and a couple old men I met in the park playing chess. To them a woman walking by was either a broad or a “skirt.” A broad could be smart or dumb, rich or poor, God-fearing or less than, but there was always a bit of respect when a broad was being mentioned, and a bit of mirth. A “skirt” was always their derogatory term, as in, “ keep playing chess, kid, so you don’t grow up like some **** skirt who don’t give others the time a day.”
Omg! Fricken love this! You are true broad! Another term I am so sick of hearing to add to the list is “Boss Babe”! I don’t know why I just hate it! When I see a sign in someone’s office like that I roll my eyes. It’s right there with the signs that say “Live, Laugh, Love” lol
I wished to be called that once. I had the printed t-shirt and everything. But then real studs thought I was trying to sell those wooden stick thingys that hold up walls.
Excellent! I never seen a Battalion of Broads outside of captivity, but maybe Substack will flush enough out. I'd also answer to dame---but the film noir kind, not the royal ones.
Please tell me I'm the online friend? 🤣 When a broad explains what I know to be true but don't have the capacity to explain, it's like getting a rogue curly fry in an order of regular fries. YOU'RE my curly fry! It's a compliment, I promise... 🫶
lol I was trying to tag you all day on this but it wouldn’t let me… so glad you found it! Definitely you and your closest kindreds!! ❤️ Now you have to walk by the moms and yell out, “Hey Broads!” lol but then again, scratch that… they are more aligned with bitches than broads! 😉 😘
I call myself a Queenager. A 'broad 'is definitely a more American term and not used too much in Australia (where I'm from). Although maybe some rural areas now I think about it. But here's to being amazing and ferocious and brave and vulnerable and flucking flourishing!
I have to say, you’ve nailed it—the essence, the vibe, the unapologetic power of being a broad. There’s something timeless and empowering about the term, something that holds a quiet strength and a ferocious tenacity all at once. It’s not just about being bold or badass; it’s about being unapologetically YOU, flaws and all, and commanding respect without ever needing to demand it.
I love how you reclaimed the word with such affection and purpose. It’s not about putting on a show or catering to anyone else’s definition—it’s about being comfortable in your skin, calling it like you see it, and having the fortitude to squash the spiders of the world (literally and figuratively) while still owning your softer, quieter moments.
And yes, the sensitive note on “broad”? I’m with you—ridiculous. As if we can’t distinguish between words that oppress and words we’ve reclaimed with pride. Broads don’t need anyone’s permission to exist, let alone their caveats.
Your breakdown of all the alternative names made me laugh out loud so hard because SAME. “Queen” makes me cringe. “Babe” makes my skin crawl. “Diva”? Please. I’ll pass on the eardrum-piercing arias and insufferable entitlement. But “broad”? Now that’s something to aspire to. It’s earned, not given.
You’re so right—broads know broads. It’s a vibe, a code, an unspoken sisterhood. And in a world that’s constantly telling us who to be or how to act, choosing to be a broad is revolutionary.
So, here’s to women who own their stories, hold their ground, and don’t give a damn about being liked so long as they’re respected. In a world of bitches, you’re absolutely right: be a broad.
Now, tell me where to sign up for this Broad Battalion because I’m in. 💪❤️
Hilarious. I’ve reclaimed Divas personally as ‘Salty Divas’ (the name of my Substack) gives it a twist. I’ve spent my whole life NOT being a diva and now, well, it’s time. Hoping I’m a broad too.
Sassy broads living our best life and reclaiming the stories and experiences that make us Salty, wise and ready to live life in our 50s and beyond with purpose and pleasure.
The world needs more broads and less ...
I love this 👏 when I think of broads, I think of the female cast of “A League of Their Own”
Oh, yes. There were some broads in there for CERTAIN!
Hell yeah. I am a crone. But I’ll happily accept the label broad as well. Badass women unite!
Crone Broads could be a great band name!
You can have it if you want! I’m retired and not branding anything any more!
Oh, the doctor's office and everything else, couldn't agree more! Love the audio version of this piece!
Thanks so much! The doctor’s office thing gives me an eye twitch! 🤣🤣
Too funny! To me the word conjures up Leo Gorcy and the like, and a couple old men I met in the park playing chess. To them a woman walking by was either a broad or a “skirt.” A broad could be smart or dumb, rich or poor, God-fearing or less than, but there was always a bit of respect when a broad was being mentioned, and a bit of mirth. A “skirt” was always their derogatory term, as in, “ keep playing chess, kid, so you don’t grow up like some **** skirt who don’t give others the time a day.”
In a world of skirts, be a broad. Alternate title. :)
I agree: broads command respect.
Omg! Fricken love this! You are true broad! Another term I am so sick of hearing to add to the list is “Boss Babe”! I don’t know why I just hate it! When I see a sign in someone’s office like that I roll my eyes. It’s right there with the signs that say “Live, Laugh, Love” lol
The boss babe thing is weird to me, too. Why not just Boss?
We don’t call men Boss Studs.
"We don’t call men Boss Studs."
I wished to be called that once. I had the printed t-shirt and everything. But then real studs thought I was trying to sell those wooden stick thingys that hold up walls.
My brother is famous for taking a stud finder, putting it on his chest and yelling Found One!
Huh. Good idea. I do something similar with a nail gun, but it doesn't always work out well. Good on your brother, though!
Excellent! I never seen a Battalion of Broads outside of captivity, but maybe Substack will flush enough out. I'd also answer to dame---but the film noir kind, not the royal ones.
Please tell me I'm the online friend? 🤣 When a broad explains what I know to be true but don't have the capacity to explain, it's like getting a rogue curly fry in an order of regular fries. YOU'RE my curly fry! It's a compliment, I promise... 🫶
You’re sooo the friend!!!
I love being the curly fry!
🤣🤣🤣
lol I was trying to tag you all day on this but it wouldn’t let me… so glad you found it! Definitely you and your closest kindreds!! ❤️ Now you have to walk by the moms and yell out, “Hey Broads!” lol but then again, scratch that… they are more aligned with bitches than broads! 😉 😘
They’re totally bitches. 🤣 They’d probably be more offended by broad. But, maybe divas?? Maybe it should be an experiment!
You really do own it. 🤩
Yes, Ma’am, whatever you say, Ma’am.
I guess I’m free to be an old buzzard, codger, old fart, boomer, or geezer. Nothing like a bracing dose of liberty.
I call myself a Queenager. A 'broad 'is definitely a more American term and not used too much in Australia (where I'm from). Although maybe some rural areas now I think about it. But here's to being amazing and ferocious and brave and vulnerable and flucking flourishing!
It might even be an east coast (nyc, usa) thing. Queenager is fun— especially with the pubescent hormone tie-in!!!
Exactly. We’re the bookend to teens 😄
The second bookend. The sturdy one that pulls it all together.
I sort of love that visual. What can I do with it!?
I will pop into canva and see what I come up with. But it’s what my publication is all about. Flucking Flourishing at this bookend…
This. Is. Everything.
I have to say, you’ve nailed it—the essence, the vibe, the unapologetic power of being a broad. There’s something timeless and empowering about the term, something that holds a quiet strength and a ferocious tenacity all at once. It’s not just about being bold or badass; it’s about being unapologetically YOU, flaws and all, and commanding respect without ever needing to demand it.
I love how you reclaimed the word with such affection and purpose. It’s not about putting on a show or catering to anyone else’s definition—it’s about being comfortable in your skin, calling it like you see it, and having the fortitude to squash the spiders of the world (literally and figuratively) while still owning your softer, quieter moments.
And yes, the sensitive note on “broad”? I’m with you—ridiculous. As if we can’t distinguish between words that oppress and words we’ve reclaimed with pride. Broads don’t need anyone’s permission to exist, let alone their caveats.
Your breakdown of all the alternative names made me laugh out loud so hard because SAME. “Queen” makes me cringe. “Babe” makes my skin crawl. “Diva”? Please. I’ll pass on the eardrum-piercing arias and insufferable entitlement. But “broad”? Now that’s something to aspire to. It’s earned, not given.
You’re so right—broads know broads. It’s a vibe, a code, an unspoken sisterhood. And in a world that’s constantly telling us who to be or how to act, choosing to be a broad is revolutionary.
So, here’s to women who own their stories, hold their ground, and don’t give a damn about being liked so long as they’re respected. In a world of bitches, you’re absolutely right: be a broad.
Now, tell me where to sign up for this Broad Battalion because I’m in. 💪❤️
Kristie! I want you in my battalion for sure!!!! 🩷🫶🙌🤩
See. Men love broads too!
P.S. my wife is definitely a Broad. One of the best.
Broads don't care what you call them. As long as you don't call them before they've had their coffee in the morning.
Ha. Probably true. 🤣
Hilarious. I’ve reclaimed Divas personally as ‘Salty Divas’ (the name of my Substack) gives it a twist. I’ve spent my whole life NOT being a diva and now, well, it’s time. Hoping I’m a broad too.
Salty Divas. I think I like that. What’s your pub about!?
Sassy broads living our best life and reclaiming the stories and experiences that make us Salty, wise and ready to live life in our 50s and beyond with purpose and pleasure.
Oooh. Count me in on that!