Word Meaning
जग-हँसाई
jag-hansā'ī
Meaning
Public ridicule, disgrace, or becoming a laughingstock to the world.
Detailed Meaning
Literally meaning to cause the world to laugh, the term signifies courting public humiliation or becoming an object of widespread ridicule. In this couplet, lightning foolishly attempts to rival the dazzling radiance of the beloved's smile, only to disgrace itself and expose its inferiority before the world.
Etymology
From Sanskrit 'jagat' (world) via Hindi/Prakrit 'jag' compounded with 'hansā'ī' (act of causing laughter), derived from Sanskrit root 'has' (to laugh).
Usage
Frequently used in classical ghazal poetry to denote the social embarrassment and censure faced when a secret passion or hollow pride is exposed to an unforgiving society.
Examples
Do not make a spectacle of your grief and invite public ridicule.
Her extravagant boast only brought public mockery.