Pronunciation: [lˈad] (IPA) 
The word "lad" is a common term used to refer to a young boy or a male teenager. The spelling of this word is easy to remember as it is pronounced exactly how it looks - /læd/. It is made up of three letters: l, a, and d. The IPA phonetic transcription for "lad" is the following: /læd/. The first sound is the voiced alveolar lateral approximant, the second sound is the short "a" vowel sound, and the last sound is the voiced alveolar plosive.
A "lad" typically refers to a young male, usually in his teenage years or early adulthood. It is an informal term that is primarily used in British English. The word carries a sense of youthfulness, energy, and a certain level of immaturity. Lads are often perceived as confident and enthusiastic individuals who engage in high-spirited activities, sometimes displaying a mischievous or boisterous nature.
The term "lad" is commonly used to describe a group of friends or a social clique, often with shared interests or hobbies. These associations are often formed during school years or in close-knit communities, where lads tend to bond over their enthusiasm for sports, music, or other recreational activities.
In some contexts, the word can also carry a negative connotation, implying a lack of responsibility or maturity. It may be used to describe someone who engages in rowdy behavior, excessive drinking, or displays a dismissive attitude toward authority figures.
Overall, "lad" serves as a colloquial term to refer to young males who embody a spirited and lively nature. While it can convey an image of camaraderie and youthful exuberance, it is important to note that its meaning can vary depending on the context and the speaker.
A boy; a youth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "lad" originated from Old English, with the original form being "hlæfdige" or "hlafdig" (which later became "lady" and "ladyship" to refer specifically to women). Eventually, the term "lad" emerged as a neuter version, signifying a male individual. It comes from the Proto-Germanic word "hlaiƀaz", meaning "bread" or "loaf". Thus, "lad" initially referred to a servant or household member involved in baking or distributing bread, much like "lady" referred to the mistress of the household. Over time, the word "lad" evolved to encompass a broader sense of a young or adolescent boy, irrespective of social status or occupation.
