Word Meaning
दुश्नाम
dushnām
Meaning
Abuse, insult, revilement, or foul language.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, 'dushnam' refers to verbal abuse or vituperation, which lovers often perversely welcome as a sign of intimacy. In this verse, the speaker recommends abandoning hollow sanctity so one may playfully or genuinely earn the taunts of the young wine-servers (mughbachon). It contrasts rigid, hypocritical purity with the reckless, authentic disrepute of the tavern.
Etymology
Persian (دشنام), from Middle Persian 'dushnām' (ill fame, abuse), composed of 'dush-' (bad, evil) and 'nām' (name, word).
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, the beloved's verbal abuse ('dushnām') is paradoxically savored by the lover as sweet and intimate attention.
Examples
To welcome the beloved's abuse as sweet praise.
Worthy of revilement at the hands of the cupbearer.