He was out drinking with 'the lads' [=('US') 'the guys, the boys'] at the pub.
Well, 'lad', I hope you won't make the same mistake again!
They can't treat us like that, can they, 'lads'?!
(..) Well, I suppose you'd have found out sooner or later, you being so clever and all... Oh, just do me one favor-- Promise me you'll never visit that dreadful place. No problem. There's a good lad. You run along now and have fun. And remember... it's our little secret. Hey, Nala. Hi, Simba. (..)1994 The Lion King