Noun

2. A group of friends, regardless of gender. Often the lads.
   • 1998, Tom Stoppard. The Real Inspector Hound

     Me and the lads have had a meeting in the bar and decided it's first-class family entertainment.

   • 2000, Marie Jones. Stones In His Pockets

     I loved saying lads . . . like I was a comrade . . . like I was one of them ... me and the lads . . . alright lads, eh ... Italy, no problem .