Word Meaning
ख़ूनी
khūnī
hinoun / adjective
Meaning
A murderer, killer, or bloodthirsty person; someone who sheds blood.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu poetry, 'khuni' refers to a murderer, slayer, or one who ruthlessly sheds blood. In this couplet, it metaphorically denotes the beloved whose cruelty and fatal charms constantly slay admirers, leaving fresh graves in her street. It intensifies the traditional poetic trope of the beloved as a heartless executioner of lovers.
Etymology
Persian 'khūn' (blood) + suffix '-ī'.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, it is frequently employed as an epithet for the beloved whose indifference or coquetry fatally wounds devoted lovers.
Examples
What can one say of that killer's sideways glance?
The alley of that slayer has now become a slaughterground.
Synonyms
क़ातिलहंतासफ़्फ़ाक
Related Words
ख़ूनख़ूं-ख़्वारक़त्लबिस्मिल