lasses

A lass is a noun in Scots and northern English dialects meaning a girl or young woman. The plural is lasses. The term is widely understood in the United Kingdom and in regions with Scottish influence, and it is also used in other English-speaking communities to evoke Scottish regional color. The male counterpart is lad; together they appear in proverbial pairs such as lasses and lads.

Etymology and usage vary. The word has long been part of Scots and northern English speech; its exact historical origins are uncertain, but it has remained common since the medieval period. Lass is generally informal and can be affectionate or familiar depending on tone and context. The diminutive form lassie or lassie with -ie is common and carries a lighter, more endearing nuance, especially in Scotland and parts of northern England.

In literature and media, the term is used to convey regional flavor rather than to denote social status. It appears in songs, folklore, and narrative prose. While broadly understood, it can be perceived as colloquial or dated in more formal English; occurrences in modern writing often aim to evoke setting rather than to specify a social class.

Modern usage varies by region and speaker. Some people use it playfully or affectionately when addressing a young woman; others may find it gendered or outdated. In contemporary contexts, speakers may choose alternatives such as girl, young woman, or miss to avoid unfamiliarity for nonregional audiences.