back alley

[/bæk ˈæli/]

nounpl: back alleys

beco

1. A narrow passageway or street behind or between buildings, typically in an urban area

The cat disappeared into the back alley behind the restaurant.

O gato desapareceu no beco atrás do restaurante.

2. A place associated with illicit, clandestine, or disreputable activities

They conducted their business in back alleys and dark corners.

Eles conduziam seus negócios em becos e cantos escuros.

NYC Slang

back alley / back street (used in similar contexts in NYC vernacular)

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

beco

Most common term for a narrow urban passageway

Rio de Janeiro

beco; viela

Viela is also used for narrower passages

São Paulo

beco; travessa

Travessa can also refer to a cross street or passage

Portugal

beco; viela; travessa

Viela emphasizes a very narrow passage; travessa is a transverse street

back alley brawl (a street fight in a secluded area)

back alley medicine (illicit or unorthodox medical practice)

back alley abortion (illegal abortion procedure, historically)

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