Ginnel
/ˈdʒɪn.əl/noun
A narrow passage or alley between buildings.
Did you know?Ginnel is a regional English word, likely from a Scandinavian source, and its eerie sound has made it feel almost supernatural even though its meaning is simply a narrow passage.
Etymological Timeline
Old Norse
ON
göngull
“a passage or way for walking”
Middle English
ME
ginel / ginnel
“a narrow passage or alley”
17th–19th Century
English
ginnel
“a local term for a narrow lane between buildings, especially in northern England”
Modern English
English
ginnel
“a narrow passage or alley”