noun
General Slang
Ginnel
/ˈɡɪnəl/ · noun · informal
A narrow passage or alleyway between buildings — northern English.
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Definitions
1
A covered or roofed-over passage leading from a street to a yard.
“The bins go down the ginnel by the terrace.”
by community
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2
Any tight, hidden cut-through between roads.
“We used to play footie in the ginnel as kids.”
by community
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3
A narrow alley or passageway, usually between or behind houses.
“Take the ginnel round the back, it's quicker.”
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Ginnel In A Sentence
Lost me phone running down that dark ginnel.
There's a sneaky ginnel that gets you to the shop in two minutes.
Cat's always hiding in the ginnel behind ours.
Origin & Usage
Northern English dialect, possibly from French 'chenel' (channel) or Dutch influence; usage is concentrated in Yorkshire and Lancashire. The same thing is a 'snicket' or 'twitten' elsewhere.
People Also Ask
What does 'ginnel' mean?
It's a narrow alleyway or passage between buildings, common in northern English towns.
Where is 'ginnel' used?
Mainly Yorkshire and Lancashire. Other regions call the same thing a snicket, twitten, or jigger.
Is 'ginnel' the same as an alley?
Pretty much — it specifically means a narrow, often covered passage rather than a wide alley.
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