Word Meaning
तल्ख़-नवाई
talkh-nawā'ī
Meaning
Bitter speech, sorrowful utterance, or plaintive and harsh expression of grief.
Detailed Meaning
A Persian compound formed from 'talkh' (bitter) and 'nawā'ī' (singing, melody, utterance). It refers to speaking or composing poetry in a sharp, bitter, or grief-stricken tone rather than a sweet one. In Ghalib's verse, it serves as an apology for harsh complaints that have burst forth because the pain in his heart has become intolerable.
Etymology
Persian compound: 'talkh' (bitter) + 'nawā' (voice, tune, song) + abstract suffix '-ī'.
Usage
In the ghazal, poets employ this phrase as a humble justification when their poetic utterance turns sorrowful and caustic under the weight of unendurable suffering.
Examples
Forgive my bitter utterance in this hour of sorrow.
A poet's bitter singing reveals deep anguish.