Word Meaning
ख़म-चम
kham-cham
Meaning
Graceful curves, coquetry, swagger, or excessive twists and crookedness.
Detailed Meaning
A compound denoting physical curves, twisting bends, or metaphorical airs, coquetry, and crooked ways. In the cited couplet, it plays on both the physical curvature of an archery bow representing the beloved's eyebrow and unpredictable, coquettish caprice. It conveys that despite its strength, excessive crookedness or deceitful bending spoils the bow's virtue.
Etymology
Persian: compound of 'kham' (bend, curve) and 'cham' (graceful gait, strut, coquetting).
Usage
Frequently used in classical Urdu poetry for double-entendre involving the beloved's curved eyebrows, curls, or coquettish attitude.
Examples
The bow lost its aim due to excessive bends and curves.
Her walk carried a charming swagger and graceful curve.