Word Meaning
ख़ुश-ज़बानी
khush-zabānī
Meaning
Eloquence, sweetness of speech, or charming and witty talk.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'khush-zabani' denotes sweet, articulate, and pleasing eloquence of speech. In the cited couplet, the speaker playfully challenges the nightingale to take care in a contest of verse, boasting of their own widespread fame for eloquent and pleasant utterance. It often signifies both rhetorical mastery in verse and the delightful charm of spoken discourse.
Etymology
Persian compound composed of 'khwush' (good, pleasing) and 'zabān' (tongue, speech), with the abstract noun suffix '-ī'.
Usage
In the Urdu ghazal, poets frequently invoke 'khush-zabani' either as a self-praising boast of their poetic eloquence or to depict the enchanting, melodious speech of the beloved.
Examples
The charm of your sweet speech captivated the gathering.
None could match the celebrated eloquence of the verses.