General
ginnel
What does ginnel mean?
A covered or roofed-over passage leading from a street to a yard.
"The bins go down the ginnel by the terrace."
Origin
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.
Frequently asked questions
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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