What it means
A ginnel is a narrow passage between buildings, usually the little shortcut locals use instead of going the long way round. It's strongly tied to Yorkshire and nearby northern English usage, and people who say ginnel will absolutely mean ginnel, not alleyway if they're in the mood to be picky. Expect bins, damp walls, mystery puddles, and lighting that feels a bit criminal.
Usage examples
"Take the ginnel between the bakery and the bookies, saves you going all the way round. Watch the puddle halfway through, it has been there since 1987."
"Cut through the ginnel by the chippy and you'll come out right by the station."
"The bins all live down the ginnel, mind the puddles when it's been raining."
"We'd better go through the ginnel behind the chemist's or we'll miss the bus."
"He's parked by the ginnel again, so now everyone's squeezing past the bins sideways."
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