Word Meaning
नेक-नामी
nek-nāmī
Meaning
Good reputation, renown, honor, or virtuous standing.
Detailed Meaning
The term refers to an untainted reputation, honor, or societal approval gained through virtuous conduct. In the given couplet, the speaker ironically laments the burden of their own 'good name', contrasting their outward respectability with the helpless agony of enduring unrequited love and betrayal. Urdu ghazal poets frequently juxtapose such social esteem with the madness and infamy embraced in true devotion.
Etymology
Persian: compound of 'nek' (good, virtuous) and 'nām' (name), followed by the abstract noun suffix '-ī'.
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, 'nek-nāmī' (repute) is often contrasted with 'bad-nāmī' (ill repute), where the devoted lover willingly renounces worldly honor for love.
Examples
Discard the burden of good name and plunge into the street of love.
Neither did we gain union, nor did our good name endure.