Word Meaning
छुप
chup
hiverb stem / adverbial form
Meaning
Hidden; secretly, in concealment or out of sight.
Detailed Meaning
In poetry, the word conveys the sense of hiding, concealing oneself, or acting in secret. In this couplet by Iqbal, 'छुप के' refers to drinking covertly due to societal censure or religious taboo. It marks the contrast between the past era of quiet concealment and the coming age of open, universal intoxication.
Etymology
Sanskrit kṣup / Hindi-Urdu verb chupnā (to hide, be concealed).
Usage
Frequently paired with 'के' (छुप के) in Urdu ghazals to signify illicit, discreet, or modest actions away from public scrutiny.
Examples
She drank secretly, away from the eyes of the pious.
The crescent moon appeared, hiding behind the dark clouds.
Synonyms
ओझलपिनहाँपोशीदागुप्त
Related Words
छुपानाछुपावछुपन-छुपाई