What it means
In Scouse, la is a warm way to say mate, lad, or just address someone in a friendly way. You hear it with men, women, mates, family, anyone really. It can open a sentence, end one, soften what you're saying, or just add that easy Liverpool warmth to the chat.
Usage examples
"Alright la, I’m nipping the chippy before the match, you coming or you staying in, chatting rubbish with your ma again?"
"Alright la, you coming the match this weekend or what?"
"Cheers for that, la, you've saved me a right headache."
"La, give us a ring when you're outside, I'm not standing by the door all night."
"You're doing my head in, la, just sit down and have your tea."
Where it comes from
Scouse shorthand that most likely grew out of lad, worn down to a single warm syllable. Liverpool flung it at everyone, not just blokes, until it became less a word and more a friendly tag you sprinkle through a sentence to keep things matey.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
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