Word Meaning
ख़ुश-चश्मी
khush-chashmi
Meaning
Beauty or loveliness of the eyes; having attractive or gazelle-like eyes.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'khush-chashmi' denotes the possession of captivating, beautiful eyes, traditionally likened to those of wild gazelles. In this couplet, it refers to the boast of the desert deer claiming superior eye-beauty, which is mocked in comparison to the beloved. It frames eye-loveliness as a pinnacle of aesthetic allure.
Etymology
Persian compound formed from 'khvash/khush' (pleasing, beautiful) and 'chashm' (eye), appended with the abstract noun suffix '-i'.
Usage
Frequently used in classical ghazals to evoke the enchanting, wild, gazelle-like gaze of the beloved in contrast to nature.
Examples
The deer pride themselves on their khush-chashmi.
Her khush-chashmi captivated everyone in the gathering.
