Word Meaning
चोट्टे
choṭṭe
hinoun (masculine plural)
Meaning
Thieves, pilferers, or heart-stealers (plural of choṭṭā).
Detailed Meaning
In colloquial Hindustani and Urdu poetry, 'choṭṭā' denotes a petty thief or pickpocket. In the cited couplet, the plural form 'choṭṭe' is metaphorically applied to the beloveds ('butān'), highlighting their widespread reputation as stealer of hearts. It wryly remarks that the only trust one can place in these idols is their infallible skill at heart-theft.
Etymology
Derived from colloquial Indic/Prakrit roots associated with theft (चोर / चोराना).
Usage
Employed playfully in informal or colloquial ghazal registers to teasingly brand beloveds as thieves of hearts.
Examples
Dil ke choṭṭe hain Butān-e-shahr
Nigāhoñ se chain churāne wāle choṭṭe
Synonyms
दिल-चोरउठाईगीरराहरज़न
Related Words
चोट्टाचोरीदिलरुबा