ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lads

n.
US //ˈɫædz// UK //lˈædz// lads
  1. 1 a group of friends (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English Dialect Informal

    a group of close friends, used regardless of whether they are men or women.

    a gender-neutral collective noun for a close-knit group of friends.

    Example

    I am going out for dinner with the lads from work tonight.

    Example

    In many Northern English and Irish communities, 'the lads' serves as a generic term for one's social circle, irrespective of the gender of the individuals involved.

    Usage

    Common in Northern England, Ireland, and Scotland.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners should be aware that this gender-neutral use is highly regional; in most other places, it specifically implies a male group.

Last updated June 20, 2026