Word Meaning

गुलगूना

gulgoona

hinoun

Meaning

Cosmetic rouge, blush, or rose-tinted makeup applied to cheeks.

Detailed Meaning

In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, 'gulgoona' refers to cosmetic blush or rouge used to impart a rosy hue to the face. In this couplet, it serves as an emblem of superficial adornment and artificiality brought by modern pretense. The poet argues that genuine, natural radiance has no need for synthetic embellishment or cosmetic vendors.

Etymology

Persian: composed of 'gul' (rose) and '-goon' (color/resemblance), meaning rose-colored cosmetic.

Usage

Often deployed in the ghazal to contrast natural, unadorned beauty with artificial cosmetic pretense.

Examples

the cheek needs no cosmetic rouge

natural beauty surpassed the painted rouge

Synonyms

ग़ाज़ासुर्ख़ीलाली

Related Words

गुलगुलगूँगुलज़ार
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