DCHP-2
lassy lassie, 'lassy DCHP-2 (October 2016)
n. & adj. — abbreviation, Food & Drink, Newfoundland
a thick syrup obtained from raw sugar; abbreviation of molasses.
Type: 5. Frequency — Molasses, a key ingredient in several Newfoundland desserts, is often shortened to lassy or lassie by island locals. It is commonly used in conjunction with the name of the dessert (see the 1991 and 2004 quotations), especially the popular dish "lassy bread" (DNE, s.v. "molasses" (3)). Though there is evidence of the same abbreviation in some varieties of American English (DARE, s.v. "lassy"), it is most frequent in Canada (see Chart 1). While still fairly exclusive to Newfoundland, the production of "lassy mogs" cookies by the brand name President's Choice, sold in Canadian supermarkets, allowed the term to go nationwide (Barber 2008: 114).
See also COD-2, s.v. "lassie", which is marked "Cdn (Nfld) informal", DNE, s.v. "lassy"(n1).
