Word Meaning
ज़बाँ-दराज़ी
zabān-darāzī
hinoun
Meaning
Insolence, impudence, loquacity, or wounding sharp-tongued speech.
Detailed Meaning
Literally meaning 'length of tongue', the compound signifies insolence, abusive loquacity, or cutting speech. In this couplet, it refers to the beloved's cruel reproaches and stinging words that wound the lover's heart far more deeply than his own self-torment. It highlights emotional pain inflicted by caustic speech over physical affliction.
Etymology
Persian compound formed from 'zabān' (tongue/speech) and 'darāzī' (length/extension, from 'darāz').
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, it usually characterizes the wounding taunts of the beloved or the insolent babble of the rival.
Examples
The wound left by the beloved's sharp tongue
Restrain this impudent speech before the elders
Synonyms
बदज़बानीगुस्ताख़ीतल्ख़-गोईदहन-दराज़ी
Related Words
ज़बाँ-दराज़शीरीं-ज़बाँदराज़