Word Meaning
तिफ़्ल
tifl
Meaning
A child, infant, or young boy.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, 'tifl' denotes a child or infant, often symbolizing innocence, naivety, or uncontrolled restlessness. When compounded, as in 'tifl-e-dil' (the child-heart), it evokes the fragile, capricious, and easily agitated nature of the lover's heart. In this couplet, it highlights the heart's child-like throbbing that requires tender consolation through imaginary reminiscences.
Etymology
Arabic origin from the triconsonantal root ط-ف-ل (ṭ-f-l), meaning tender, small, or young; 'ṭifl' refers to a young child or infant.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'tifl' is frequently linked with the heart (tifl-e-dil) or tears (tifl-e-ashk) to emphasize their uncontrollable, naive, and tearful fragility.
Examples
The weeping tears flowed like an unruly child.
The world is but a playground for children before my eyes.