Word Meaning
नोश
nosh
Meaning
Drinking, imbibing; a sweet drink or festive revelry.
Detailed Meaning
In Persian and classical Urdu poetry, 'nosh' denotes drinking, specifically the act of imbibing wine or sweet drinks. In this couplet by Ghalib, it occurs in the classical hendiadys 'naay-o-nosh' (music and wine), signifying sensual revelry and pleasure-seeking. It warns incoming lovers against treating the spiritual trials of love merely as worldly merrymaking.
Etymology
Persian (نوش), originally related to Middle Persian 'anōš' (immortal, nectar) and cognate with Avestan 'an-aoša' (undying).
Usage
In ghazal aesthetics, it is frequently contrasted with 'neesh' (sting/venom) to signify pleasure versus pain, or compounded as in 'mai-nosh' (wine-drinker).
Examples
Lost in the craving for music and wine.
By their grace, the poison of sorrow turned into sweet nectar.