Definition of the word back alley

Pronunciation of vocabulary back alley

back alleynoun

ngõ sau

/ˌbæk ˈæli//ˌbæk ˈæli/

Origin of the word back alley

The term "back alley" has its origin in urban culture, particularly in the 19th century when large cities in Western societies began expanding rapidly. As buildings were constructed closer together, back alleys (also known as rear lanes or laneways) emerged as narrow passageways behind the main streets. Initially, these back alleys served practical purposes, such as providing access to garbage removal and horse-drawn carriage traffic. However, as urbanization led to overcrowding and poverty, these areas took on a different connotation. Back alleys became hidden, shadowy spaces where individuals looking to escape the prying eyes of authorities or societies' norms could engage in illicit activities. In the early 20th century, diseases such as tuberculosis and cholera also spread in these alleys due to the lack of proper sanitation. With the growth of literature, media, and popular culture, back alley has become a loaded phrase, evoking images of danger, darkness, and criminal activity. Today, while in some cases, the term is still associated with fear and danger, it also serves as a metaphor for escaping the gaze of authority and norms when necessary.

Example of vocabulary back alleynamespace

  • As they left the crowded street, the group made their way down the dark back alleys in search of a shortcut.

    Khi rời khỏi con phố đông đúc, cả nhóm đi vào những con hẻm tối tăm để tìm đường tắt.

  • The thief fled into the back alleys to escape the police.

    Tên trộm đã chạy trốn vào các con hẻm để trốn tránh cảnh sát.

  • The homeless man huddled in a sleeping bag against the brick wall of a building in the back alleys.

    Người đàn ông vô gia cư co ro trong túi ngủ dựa vào bức tường gạch của một tòa nhà trong con hẻm phía sau.

  • The couple sneaked into the club through the back alleys, avoiding the crowds on the main street.

    Cặp đôi lẻn vào câu lạc bộ qua những con hẻm, tránh đám đông trên phố chính.

  • In the back alleys, the sound of footsteps echoed through the deserted night time streets.

    Trong những con hẻm, tiếng bước chân vang vọng khắp những con phố đêm vắng vẻ.

  • The late night call to the pizza place was delivered to the cook through the back alleys by one of the waiters.

    Cuộc gọi đêm muộn đến tiệm pizza được một trong những người phục vụ chuyển đến đầu bếp thông qua những con hẻm phía sau.

  • The balcony at the back of the building overlooked the quiet back alleys below.

    Ban công phía sau tòa nhà nhìn xuống những con hẻm yên tĩnh bên dưới.

  • The school playground was deserted as the kids playing basketball left into the back alleys.

    Sân trường vắng tanh khi bọn trẻ chơi bóng rổ chạy vào các con hẻm phía sau.

  • The alley behind the building was filled with the smell of garbage and decay.

    Con hẻm phía sau tòa nhà tràn ngập mùi rác thải và mùi thối rữa.

  • The car backfired as the driver took a quick turn down the back alleys, trying to avoid the traffic on the main road.

    Chiếc xe nổ máy khi tài xế rẽ nhanh vào các con hẻm, cố gắng tránh dòng xe cộ trên đường chính.

Words, synonyms, related vocabulary back alley

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